AMERICAN ASH-TREE, 



41)1 



of a reddish tinge, and the sap-wood white. When the annual layers arc thick 

 and coarse, it is exceedingly tough and elastic, and may be applied to all the 

 various purposes for which the Fraxinus excelsior is used in Europe. In Amer- 

 ica, the wood of this tree is highly esteemed for its strength and suppleness, and 

 is advantageously employed for a great variety of uses, of which we shall men- 

 tion only a few of the most common. It is selected by coach and wagon-makers 

 for the felloes of wheels, for shafts, and for the frames of carriage bodies, and for 

 those of light wagons. It is also in very general use for agricultural implements 

 and domestic wares, particularly for the handles of spades, hoes, shovels, forks, 

 rakes, scythes, &c. In Canada, and the northern parts of the United States, it 

 is extensively used for hoops and staves, the latter of which are of a quality 

 between those of the white and red oaks, and are esteemed best for casks con- 

 taining salted provisions and flour. It has also been admitted into the lowei 

 frames of vessels, but is considered inferior to that of the yellow birch, (Betula 

 excelsa,) and to the heart of the red beech. For the blocks to pulleys, particu- 

 larly those used in ships, and the pins for belaying the cordage, this wood is very 

 appropriate; and, on account of its strength and elasticity, it is esteemed as supe- 

 rior to every other species of timber for oars. It is extensively exported to Europe, 

 especially to England, in the form of planks, and the oars of this wood are used in 

 all the navies of the world. The inner bark of this tree imparts a very perma- 

 nent yellow to skins, and may be used with advantage in dyeing wool. 



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