Chap. U.] THE LAECH. 357 



is intermingled with white granulations like pearls, and so 

 similar in appearance to frankincense, that when mixed, it is 

 impossible to distinguish them ; hence the adulterations we 

 find practised in the Seplasia. 15 All this class of trees have a 

 short bristly leaf, thick and hard, like that of the cypress. 

 The branches of the pitch-tree are of moderate size, and ex- 

 tend from almost the very root of the tree, adhering to the 

 sides like so many arms : the same is the case with the fir, 16 

 the wood of which is held in great esteem for ship-building. 



This tree grows upon the summits of lofty mountains, as 

 though, in fact, it had an antipathy to the sea, and it does not 

 at all diifer from the pitch-tree in appearance : the wood is 

 also very highly esteemed for the construction of rafters, and 

 many other appliances of life. A flow of resin, which in the 

 pitch-tree constitutes its great merit, is looked upon as a 

 defect in the fir, 17 though it will generally exude in some 

 small quantity on exposure of the wood, to the action of the 

 sun. On the other hand, the wood which in the fir-tree is 

 remarkably fine, in the pitch-tree is only used for making 

 shingles, vats, and a few other articles of joiners' work. 



CHAP. 19. THE LAECH : THE TOECH-TEEE. 



The fifth kind of resinous tree has the same localities, and 

 is very similar in appearance ; it is known as the larch. 13 The 

 wood of this tree is far more valuable, being unimpaired by 

 time, and proof against all decay ; it is of a reddish colour, 

 and of an acrid smell. Besin 19 flows from this wood in still 

 greater quantities ; it is of the colour of honey, more viscous 

 than the other varieties, and never turns hard. 



as incense for the rites of the Roman church : while sometimes it is pur- 

 posely employed, as being cheaper. 



15 A great street in Capua, which consisted entirely of the shops of sellers 

 of unguents and perfumes. 



16 It has the same pyramidal form as the pitch-tree. It is still much 

 used in ship-buildiug, both for its resinous and durable qualities and the 

 lightness of the wood. 



17 The presence of resin is not looked upon as any defect in the fir at the 

 present day. It produces what is known in commerce as " Strasbourg tur- 

 pentine." 



1S The Abies larix of Linnaeus, and the Larix Europrea, it is thought, 

 of Decandolles. 



; 19 It is the Venice turpentine of commerce. Each tree will furnish seren 

 or eight pounds each year for half a century. 



