CHAP. XLII. ROSA‘CE®. PY‘RUS. 911 
above 10 ft. or 15 ft. high ; but it is always stiff and erect. It is later in coming 
into leaf than any other indigenous tree, except the ash. It bears lopping, 
and permits the grass to grow under it. 
Geography, History, §c. The white beam tree is a native of most parts of 
Europe, from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea; and also of Siberia and 
Western Asia. Some species of the § A‘ria are found in Nepal, which are 
probably only varieties of the European kinds; but none have been yet dis- 
covered in North America. In Britain, the geologic sites in which it is found 
wild are almost always chalky soils, or limestone rocks ; but sometimes, also, cal- 
careous clays. Withering says that it loves dry hills, and open exposures, and 
flourishes either on gravel or clay. It is to be met with in every part of the 
island, varying greatly in magnitude, according to soil and situation. It has been 
known to writers on plants since the days of Theophrastus; and the circum- 
stance of its bearing a distinct name in all the European languages shows 
that it has been long familiar to country people. 
Properties and Uses. The wood is very hard, of a fine close grain, yellowish 
white, and susceptible of a high polish. In a green state, it has a strong 
smell, which it retains, in a slight degree, even after it is dried. It weighs, in 
that state, 55 lb. 6 oz. per cubic foot. It may be stained of any colour, and is 
much used in the smaller manufactures, such as making handles to knives and 
forks, wooden spoons, &c.; and for musical instruments,, and various turnery 
articles. Combs, it is said, have been made of it equally durable with those 
made from the box. It is also used for axletrees, naves, and felloes of wheels, 
carpenters’ tools, and walking-sticks ; and it afferds an excellent charcoal for 
making gunpowder. But the great use of the wood of this tree, throughout 
Europe, is for cogs to the wheels of machinery. It is universally employed 
for this purpose on the Continent; and was so in Britain til! cast iron 
became generally substituted for it in the wheels of machinery. The leaves 
are eaten both by goats and sheep. The fruit is acid and astringent ; but it 
is not disagreeable to eat, when it is ina state of incipient decay. Dried, 
and reduced to powder, it has been formed into a sort of bread, which has 
been eaten, both in France and Sweden, in years of great scarcity. Fer- 
mented, the fruit affords a beer; or, by distillation, a powerful spirit: it is 
greedily eaten by small birds; on which account the trees are ordered to be 
preserved in the French forests, that the number of birds may be increased, 
in order to keep down the insects. The fruit is also the food of squirrels; 
and, when it drops, of the wild boar, the deer, the hedgehog, &c. 
As an ornamental tree, the white beam has some valuable properties. It is 
of a moderate size, and of a definite shape; and thus, bearing a character of 
art, it is adapted for particular situations near works of art, where the violent 
contrast exhibited by trees of picturesque forms would be inharmonious. In 
summer, when clothed with leaves, it forms a compact green mass, till it is 
ruffled by the wind, when it suddenly assumes a mealy whiteness. In the 
winter season, the tree is attractive from it smooth branches, and its large 
green buds; which, from their size and colour, seem already prepared for 
spring, and remind us of the approach of that delightful season, When the 
tree is covered with its fruit, it is exceedingly ornamental. Among the dif- 
ferent varieties enumerated, P. A. crética is by far the most distinct : but all of 
them are well deserving of cultivation. 
Soil and Situation. A calcareous and dry soil is essential ; and the tree will 
not attain a timber size unless it is placed in an airy situation. The largest 
trees in Britain are at Blair, in Perthshire, where they stand in the margins of 
open woods, or in hedgerows. The situation may be exposed to the highest 
and coldest winds that prevail in this country, and yet the tree will never fail to 
grow erect, and produce a regular head ; and, for this reason, no tree is better 
adapted for sheltering houses and gardens in very exposed situations. 
Propagation and Culture. The species may be raised from seed, and the 
varieties be grafted on stocks of the species of the pear, of the Cratz‘gus, and 
even of the quince and medlar ; which trees, it is almost unnecessary to add, 
oie 
