Abstract: Fiber length, fiber width, wall thickness and lumen width of wood of four species of Italian poplars ( I-214, 1-72/58, 1-63/51, 1-69/55) have been determined with a projection microscope. Fiber length was found to be 1040-1130nm, fiber width 22/24um, length/width ratio 45/47, wall thickness 2.38-3.06nm, lumen width 10.92-13.88nm, Runkel ratio 0.37-0.49. Chemical components of wood of these four species of Italian poplars have also been analysed. Ash was found to be 0.52-1.03%, hot water extractive 2.14-3.45%, benzene-alcohol extractive 1.84-2.24%, 1% sadium hydroxide extractive 17.84-21.88%, lignin 22.37-23.40%, acid soluble lignin 1.72-2.38%, hoiocellulose 77.35-80.62% and pentosans 24.48%.Although the wood fibers of the four species of Italian poplars are comparatively short, their length/width ratio is relatively large ani Runkel ratio small. They have a high content of holo:ellulose and a low content of lignin, resulting in a high yield in the proiu:tion of chemical pulp which is easy to bleach, with a low consumption of alkali when cooked. Therefore, the four Italian poplars are good material for pulping and paper-making.