240 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 



The tree soon dies wlien the surrounding forest trees are cleared 

 away, leaving the Ironwood alone. Hence, it has no value for 

 ornamental purposes. 



Order X. Betulaceae. — The Birch Family. 



40. Betula papyi'acea, of Alton. — Canoe, or Paper Birch. 



These names indicate the uses to which the bark of this species 

 of the Birch family is applied. It is used extensively by the ab- 

 origines, and by the fur traders, for making their light and ele- 

 gant canoes ; and when peeled off in thin layers, it is a substitute 

 for paper. This bark is also used for many other purposes of 

 ornament and utility ; the white man makes use of it for the roof 

 of his rude building, erected at the time of the first settlement of 

 the country, and it is found to be effective in keeping off the 

 ram, as well as the heat in summer and the cold in winter. 



With the Indians it constitutes an important material in the 

 construction not only of his means of transportation on the wa- 

 ter, but of his wigwam and various utensils. Sir John Richard- 

 son obs rves that it "is an invaluable tree to the population of 

 Ruperts' Land ; its bark is indispensable for the construction of 

 their canoes, and also serves for the covering of tents, in locali- 

 ties where the skins of large animals are scarce. Neatly sewed 

 and ornamented with porcupine quills, it is moulded into baskets, 

 bags, dishes, plates, and drinking vessels; in short, it is the ma- 

 terial of which most c f the light and easily-transported house- 

 hold furniture of the Crees is formed. The wood serves for 

 paddles, the frame-work of snow-shoes, sledges, etc. In the 

 spring the sap forms a pleasant sweet drink, from which a syrup 

 may be manufactured by boiling." 



The Canoe Birch does not extend south into Illinois, but in 

 the opposite direction it is found as far as the 69th degree of 

 north latitude. It attains its greatest perfection about the shores 

 of lake Superior, where the bark is used by the Chippewas for 

 most of the purposes above indicated. 



