THE WOODS OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 21 
Outve Fameiy (Oleacee). 
The representatives of this family in New Brunswick belong to 
the genus Fraxinus or ash, of which there are four species. 
WHITE ASH (fraxinus Americana, L.). 
This, from its large size, the most important of the ashes, is 
sparsely found in all parts of the Province, upon almost every 
variety of soil, though attaining its perfection only in rich loamy 
ground and in the vicinity of streams, where it obtains abundant 
moisture. Under favourable circumstances it rises to a height of 
50 or 60 feet, with a straight undivided trunk for 30 feet, and a 
diameter of nearly 2 feet. It is usually scattered among other 
trees, rarely, if ever, forming groves. 
The qualities from which ash wood derives its value are its 
strength, toughness, and elasticity. In consequence of these pro- 
perties it is extensively employed by carriage and sleigh makers, 
especially for shafts and springs ; in the manufacture of chair and 
sofa frames ; for agricultural implements, as pitchforks and rakes ; 
and for a variety of smaller articles. For the manufacture of oars 
it is preferred to all other woods. 
THE RED ASH (Mraxinus pubescens, Walter). 
This tree resembles the white ash, and grows in similar situa- 
tions ; it is probable that they are sometimes confounded. Besides 
being a smaller tree, the red ash is easily distinguished by the downy 
character of its leaves and newer branches, from which its specific 
name is derived. Its wood, though used for similar purposes, is 
less valuable. This tree is found to a limited extent east of the 
Grand Falls, in low fertile parts. 
BLACK OR WATER ASH (fraxinus sambucifolia, Lam.). 
This tree is mostly confined to swamps and the muddy banks 
of rivers. It is common along the shores of the St John 
and Kennebeccasis rivers, but is in greatest abundance on the 
branches of the St John above the Grand Falls, especially on 
those of the Grand and Green rivers, the shores of the former 
being fringed by it for many miles. It is also abundant on the 
Miramichi river on the lands of the New Brunswick Land and 
Lumber Company—the drier the land usually the better the wood. 
The wood of the black ash is used for house and church finish- 
