526 MISCELLANEOUS. [Dec. 



made of the timbers of this kingdom, in which his experience can 

 give his lordship the best satisfaction. He and others have bought 

 the woods of Shillelagh of Sir Henry Harrington, the greatest part 

 whereof they intend to convert into pipe staves, but he (Mytten) is 

 now to repair to his lordship (Salisbury) before they proceed farther 

 therein. It is thought that those woods, and others adjoining, some 

 of which belong to the king, will yield sufficient store to furnish the 

 king for his shipping, and other uses, for twenty years, and yet have 

 then wherewith to hold up their trade." Lord Deputy Chichester 

 then refers to other places in Ireland, remarking that " the woods 

 in Munster are greatly wasted, especially upon the rivers that are 

 portable to the sea, but undoubtedly much timber is to be found 

 within the land." Chichester proceeds to suggest that " Mr. Mytten, 

 or some such competent person, should be appointed as Woodward, 

 or by some other such title, to survey all the woods in the kingdom. 

 In June 1610, the Privy Council direct the Lord Deputy to take 

 precautions for the preservation of woods in Ireland. On 12th 

 December 1610, Chichester reports that he has suggested the setting 

 up a forge or two, to work the ironstone in Munster. Such forges 

 gradually burnt out Irish forests, next to nothing being planted to 

 supply what was taken. 



The American elm was once considered of little economic value. 

 If it could have been put to use, the grand specimens which have 

 made so many New England and other towns famous would have 

 been chopped down with the oaks and pines. Being considered of 

 small account for any other purpose, the trees were allowed to 

 remain for ornament. But the wood is now exported in consider- 

 able quantities to England to be used in building ships and boats, 

 while at home it is in demand for saddle-trees, wheel stock, etc. 

 On rich ground it would be a paying tree for timber plantations. 

 It grows rapidly, and when large enough to be used for h\ibs it 

 would command a ready market. 



ScAECiTY OF Timber in America. — The threatened scarcity of 

 timber is attracting attention to certain woods now neglected. 

 Virginia sap, hitherto practically valueless, is becoming an important 

 article of trade ; one Philadelphia dealer recently shipped a lot of it 

 West, and sold it well. Millions of feet of swamp oak are yearly 

 destroyed for lack of enterprise to turn it into clap boards. It is 

 straight- grained, clear of^knots, large in diameter, dense, and tougli. 

 Sweet gums are found susceptible of high polish. Wood needs more 

 study. Different woods require to be put to different uses, accord- 

 ing to their endurance and fitness. The country has been scoured 

 for stave timber, and only after failing to find a supply was red oak 

 resorted to. 



