Class XXI. Order VIII. 355 



fruit is large, roundish, depressed at top, the green shell exceed- 

 ingly thick, and separating completely into quarters. The nut, 

 which constitutes but a small part of the whole fruit, is white, 

 angular, flattened, thin shelled, its kernel greatly superior to 

 either of the preceding, and in considerable request. 



The wood of the three foregoing species of walnut possesses 

 similar properties. It is hard, compact, heavy, and of very great 

 strength. At the same time it is liable to warp and decay, espe- 

 cially if exposed to the weather. It is principally used for pur- 

 poses where strength is required, as in hoops, bows, the handles 

 of tools, &c. It furnishes one of the best kinds of fuel known, 

 and commands a higher price in our markets than any other 

 species of wood. 



413. BETULA. 



BETULA PAPYRACEA. MX. f. Canoe Birch. 



Leaves oval, acuminate, subequally serrate ; petioles 

 glabrous ; veins hairy beneath. Mx.f. 



This tree, which is called also Large white birch and Paper 

 birch, affords a great portion of the eastern wood consumed as fu- 

 el in this city. It is abundant in the northern and eastern parts 

 of New England. Leaves ovate, much less acuminate than those 

 of the following species. Fertile aments nodding. The trunk 

 is covered with a tough, white cuticle of many layers, from, 

 which the Indians manufacture their canoes. The wood is hard, 

 close grained, and used in furniture. 



BETULA POPULIFOLIA. Jiit. Common White Birch. 



Leaves extensively acuminate, unequally serrate, 

 glabrous. Mich.f. 



The name of white birch is indiscriminately applied to this 

 species, and to Betula papyracea. The present species is com- 

 mon here in swamps, and multiplies very fast in moist lands that 

 are not properly cleared. Like the paper birch, its trunk is 

 covered with a white, smooth, outer bark, separable into thin 

 layers, and very inflammable. Its young twigs are flexible, of 

 a dark brown, spotted with white. The leaves are heart-shaped, 

 tapering to a long point, glutinous, smooth on both sides. The 

 flowers, both barren and fertile, are in long, pendulous aments. 



