496 THE NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS OF CARNARVONSHIRE. 
in various parts of this county, a shrub or small tree, though when 
cultivated under suitable conditions it occasionally attains a height 
of from 50 ft. to 70 ft. Damp, wet ground by the margins of 
streams and rivers are its favourite haunts, and where as a timber 
tree it reaches its greatest height and is most profitably cultivated. 
As an ornamental tree the alder has not much to boast of, its dark 
hue and peculiar mode of growth being averse to taste generally. 
The wood is much in request for clog-making, and may be con- 
sidered as of about third rate quality. 
60. The Common Birch (Letula alba).—This tree, justly styled 
the ‘Queen of the Forest,” is of remarkably graceful appearance, 
with slender, weeping branches and silvery white bark. It usually 
attains a height of 50 ft., with a trunk of 18 in. in diameter, and 
with the spread of branches small in proportion to the tree’s height. 
The wood is, in value, about equal to that of the alder, and used 
for somewhat similar purposes, although it is capable of being still 
further utilised, more particularly in the manufacture of household 
furniture and utensils. In deep, rich soils the birch attains to 
greatest perfection, although as regards choice of soil it is far from 
particular, thriving well in that of a sandy, rocky, or even clayey 
texture, and at high altitudes. 
61. The Common Hazel (Corylus Avellana).—Usually the 
hazel does not exceed 12 ft. or 15 ft., with numerous suckers set 
around the stem, yet in favourable situations it rises to double 
that height, and produces a valuable timber for the cabinetmaker. 
Hazel rods or suckers are much in demand for basket and crate 
making, ornamental rustic work, whip handles, etc.; while tied 
into faggots they are considered superior to most woods for oven 
heating. Moist, rich loam is the favourite soil of the hazel, but 
it grows well on chalk, gravel, or clay. 
62. The Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica).—Few of our native 
trees are more beautiful than the beech, and whether planted 
singly on the lawn or mixed up with other trees for variety and 
contrast, it is at all times a pleasing object, and well worthy of 
attention in ornamental planting or where landscape effect is taken 
into consideration. In favourable situations it attains a height of 
80 ft., with a trunk 2 ft. or 3 ft. in diameter, and produces a 
valuable wood useful for making flood gates, sluices, mill wheels, 
and cogs ; while as firewood it is considered superior to any other. 
The beech makes a useful hedge either alone or planted with the 
thorn, and when kept closely trimmed it affords a great amount 
