220 
writing again in the same journal, p. 119, and strongly recommend- 
ing the planting of the tree. He had been cutting from _ his 
plantation for several years and found the wood of good quality, 
whilst the posts referred to in his earlier note were still sound. 
Replying to A. P., Cheam, R. J. Selby does not consider the tree 
worth planting as it is very easily damaged by wind. Perhaps the 
best article on the subject is one by “ Tassel” in the “ Gardener’s 
Chronicle” for April 14th, 1855, pp. 240-241. He discusses the 
tree from actual experience and advises cutting at an early age, 30 
to 35 years. Planted with larch, Turkey oak and fir it grew 
faster than the latter two but was over-topped by the larch. He 
instances an isolated tree which had been planted in 1816; this m 
1855 was 60 feet high, and girthed 7 feet 10 inches at the ground, 
4 feet 4 inches at 10 feet high and 4 feet at 20 feet high. 
The species is a native of the Eastern United States, where it 
grows to a height of from 60 to 80 feet with a trunk 2} to 34 feet 
in diameter under favourable conditions, though in some places it is 
much smaller. Its rate of growth in Great Britain compares 
favourably with American records, while as regards size, it grows 
almost as large in England as in its native country. The yellowish 
coloured timber is hard and durable. In America it is used for 
shipbuilding, tree-nails, hubs for wheels, posts for fencing and 
various other purposes. In some continental countries the wood of 
young trees is in demand, both round and split, for vine props and 
older wood is used for spokes, &c. “ Forest Service Circular,” 
No. 64, United States Department of Agriculture, gives the life of 
a post made from the heart-wood as from 15 to 25 years. 
It adapts itself to a variety of soils and conditions, for it 
flourishes on poor, light land and also in ground of a clayey 
character. Good specimens are notable both on low land and on 
hill sides where shelter from rough winds is provided. Suckers are 
produced freely, and for this reason it has been recommended for 
planting on loose banks to help to bind the soil. The timber ought 
apparently to be cut when the trees are between the ages of 35 and 
55 years, for older trees often show signs of decay. The scarcity 
of the false acacia in our woods after being planted somewhat 
extensively, suggests that it is not suitable for forest planting. 
the absence of any definite information on the subject, however, 
the usefulness of the timber makes it well worth a further trial. 
The Black or Cherry Birch (Betula lenta, L.)—This is one of 
several American birches which supply a large amount of timber 
each year both for home consumption and for export. Some idea 
of the importance of our imports of American birch-wood may be 
red-from the statement made in J, R, Batterden’s book 
