194 THE LARCH. 



edited by Eev. John M. Wilson, I read as follows : — 

 " It is so very generally useful, and so often pre- 

 eminent, that the many purposes to which it may 

 be advantageously applied almost defy enumeration. 

 Even Hanbury says many encomiums have been 

 bestowed on the timber of the larch, and we find 

 such a favourable account of it in ancient authors as 

 should induce us to think it would be proper for 

 almost any use." 



Certain it is that this is an excellent wood for ship 

 and house building. At Venice the wood is often used 

 in building houses, as well as in Switzerland, where 

 these trees abound ; and without doubt the larch 

 excels for ship-masts, beams for houses, and doors, 

 windows, &c., particularly as it is said to resist the 

 worm. In Switzerland the houses are covered with 

 boards of this wood, cut out a foot square ; and as it 

 emits a resinous substance, this resin so diffuses itself 

 into every joint and crevice, and becomes so compact 

 and close, as well as so hardened by the air, as to 

 render the covering proof against the weather. The 

 wood when first laid on is said to be very white, but this 

 colour changes in two or three years to black, which 

 then appears like a smooth shining varnish. Its merits 

 are stated to have been known as early as the time of 

 Julius Caesar, who calls it lignum igni impenetrabile. 

 But the merit of making known its valuable proper- 

 ties as a timber tree for the climate of Britain is due 

 to the Duke of Athole. 



The first larches brought to Athole, as already stated, 



