196 onthe value and uses of the larch tree. Sept. 24. 
this be a great saving * ; but a much greater benefit 
will be derived from the diminution in regard to 
leakage that this will produce; for as the kinds of 
wood that have been hitherto employed for this pur- 
pose, are more liable to be affected by the vicifsi- 
tudes of the weather than it is, the leakage in larix 
cafks will be greatly lefs than in others. For these 
reasons, in regard to valuable liquors especially, the 
benefit be derived from larix cafks would be immense. 
l¥ ever the herring fifheries be allowed to go for- 
ward in Scotland, this will be an important improve-~ 
ment to them ; as it might be reared in the Highs 
lands im immense quantities, at scarcely any ex- 
pence. 
Ship building. 
In regard to fhip building, larch wood pofsefses 
advantages above all others, that ought to render it 
almost an object of idolatry to the Britifh nation. 
It is establifhed upon very good authority, that it 
resists the worm much more in warm climates than 
any other European wood. It is much more du- 
rable than oak, —vis lighter, and fhrinks much 
when used as plank, so as to require lefs caulking,— 
is lefs apt to fly icto splinters during an engage- 
ment, and lefs liable to take fire. These qualites point 
it out as superior to Britith oak itself for plank for 
fhip building ; and as it can be reared on any soil, 
* On account ofthe lefs price of larix than other staves, the saving 
to a porter brewer, including tuns and cafks, on first entering upon 
businefs in London, would not be lefs than several thousand pounds, 
