10 on the value and uses of the larch tree. Sept. hs 
foreign fir log, and the other of larch wood. One 
set of the fir posts is worn out, and another prt 
into their place at each gate; but the larch conti- 
nues still firm. This experiment also is still in its 
progrefs.. Ib, vol. : pages 
A trough for feeding hogs made of deal of larch 
wood had been placed beneath a large tree in the 
fields, where it had stood soaked in water and 
dirt for five or six years: on being scraped clean 
it was found to be perfectly sound ; and having been 
converted into another use, stood in a stable for se- 
-veral years longer without any mark of decay ; when 
the stable being taken down, the experiment was 
discontinued. Ib. vol. p. . 
“Tt resists, says Mr Ritchie, the Britifh chargé des 
affairs at Venice, speaking of larch wood, the in- 
temperature of the air, more than any other wood 
known in this country, and therefore it is much used 
for making outer gates, pales &#c. which are con- 
stantly exposed to the open air. Itis no lefs du- 
rable within doors ; and in some of the old palaces 
here, there are beams of larix as sound as when 
first placed there. In a word, wherever strength 
and durability are required, this is reckoned here the 
most choice and valuable wood ; and it may be appli- 
ad to a great number of uses*.” 
It would be unnecefsary to enumerate more proofs 
of the incorruptible nature and singularly valuable 
qualities of this wood, and therefore the remaining 
part of this efsay fhall be appropriated to an enu- 
* Memoirs of thé society of arts, London, vol. xi. 
