Of the fir. 



The different Degrees of Goodnefs in Fir Timber, hozv difcovei'able ; 

 the minute Vejfels which enter into the CompofUion of this Tree de~ 

 fcribed at large. 



In treating of the Oak I liave confidered, tliat the fpecies of it 

 growing in warm climates, is fuperior to that which is produced in 

 cold countries. But we muft not imagine this to be the cafe with 

 all Woods ; on tiie contrary the Fir Timber growing in cold coun- 

 tries IS fuperior to that produced in warm ones, where its growth 

 is rapid. For the perpendicular veflels of which the Fir is compofed 

 are comparatively fmall, and though we may fee here and there 

 in this wood a large perpendicular veflel, that is no great exception 

 to the general nature of it. 



In the Fir, at the beginning of its growth every year, the per- 

 pendicular velTels, (which are all of the fame kind), are formed 

 twice as large as thofe towards the end of the feafon, when the 

 growth ceafes, and thefe latter- formed veflels are, in refpe6t of their 

 component woody parts, very compa6l and clofe, having very 

 fmall cavities, and confequently producing durable timber ; and 

 the lefs this tree grows every year, the greater number of thefc 

 compaft vefli^ls enter into its compofition. Hence we may gather, 

 that if, upon examining Fir Timber at the ends, when it has been 



B 



