120 CONVERSATIONS ON THE 



I have already told you, is exceedingly tough, 

 and strong, and flexible, and the Canadians 

 say it lasts for ever ; not that it does actually 

 l^ast for ever, for nothing that exists in this 

 world can do that ; but to whatever use it is 

 put, it lasts for a long time ; and I do not 

 know of any other substance so cheap, so 

 plentiful, and so easily procured in those parts 

 of the country where it is used, that would 

 answer as many purposes, and as well. 

 When the trees are small, that is, not more 

 than eight or nine inches thick, the bark is 

 of a brilliant white ; but on the larger trees, it 

 has more of a dusky hue : and it is so durable 

 that trees are often found lying upon the 

 ground that have fallen or been cut down so 

 long that the wood is perfectly rotten, and 

 yet the bark is as sound as ever. The uses 

 to which it is put are almost innumerable : 

 in Canada they place large pieces of it on the 

 roofs of houses immediately under the shin- 

 gles ; and they say that it makes the most perfect 

 and impenetFable covering ; not a drop of rain 

 can come in: they also make of it baskets, 

 and boxes, and portfolios, and ropes, and 

 harness, and seats for chairs, and even car- 



