174 on the value and uses of the larch tree. Sept. 25. 
is equally impervious to rain and wind: nor is it 
in danger of catching fire; for if a flaming billet 
were laid upon the roof, it would not be inflamed, 
but would resist fire till the billet was entirely 
consumed, I can form no idea of an habitation that 
could be obtained at a small expence for a poor 
man, which could in any degree be compared with 
this one. 
Flooring, joisting, &e. 
Enough has been said already to prove that no 
wood known in this part of the world, is so proper as 
the larix for joists, rafters, and beams of every sort, 
where strength, lightnefs, and durability are wanted 
in build ngs. In all these points of view it is much 
preferable to any kind of fir; and being a quicker 
grower, and more easily reared, 1t ought to be af- 
forded at least as cheap as fir wood. 
When sawed into deals, it is still in a higher de- 
gree to be preferred for flooring, because it. fhrinks 
much lefs, and is not nearly so liable to be set 
on fire; not to mention its greater durability: so that 
there is no reason to doubt, but as soon as it comes 
to be sufficiently known, it will be invariably sub- 
stituted instead of fir for these purposes. 
Windows, and doors, coach pannelling, &c. 
Safhes for windows are the most expensive part 
of an ordinary dwelling house at present, because 
no durable material has yet been discovered, of which 
the soles of the windows, especially, can be made, so 
that they stand in need of frequen: repairs. In old 
times these were made of oak ; but experience has 
discovered that oak when exposed to the vicifsitudes 
of weather, is as perifhable as fir; which last, as. 
