THE BEECH. 99 
the latter by Linnzeus, the great Swedish Naturalist. 
The wood, however, differs much from the others in 
being very close and fine-grained. The fruit is en- 
closed in a scaly burr, somewhat resembling the cup 
of an acorn, which, when matured, opens into four 
sections, and allows the triangular nuts to escape. In 
France and Germany, an excellent oil is obtained 
from the kernels, which is said to be superior to that 
produced by the Olive. 
The beech is rarely found living to any great age, 
although occasional specimens are met with which 
are evidently of great antiquity. A Beech which 
stood some years since in Windsor Forest, England, 
is said to have existed prior to the Norman Conquest, 
which would indicate that it had known the changes 
of at least 800 years. At the time of the last mea- 
surement, it was about 36 feet in circumference at 
the base. 
In America the beech is a beautiful tree, with 
dense and finely-cut foliage, forming a thick and im- 
penetrable shade. It sometimes attains a height of 
100 feet, with a trunk measuring 8 or 10 feet in cir- 
cumference. 
In connection with the Chestnut and Beech must 
be mentioned the Walnut and Hickory; trees of great 
beauty and interest, as well as utility. Of each, there 
are several varieties. Of the Walnut, the Black is 
probably the most useful by far, it being used very 
extensively in this its native country, as well as in 
Europe, for the manufacture of cabinet-ware. The 
wood, which is of a fine dark color, and beauti- 
