36 THE HAZEL. 



in March, when they barft, and difclofe 

 the bright crirnfon of their fhafts. The 

 hazel is met with native in almoft every 

 part of this ifland, forming hedges or cop- 

 pices, and thickening the approaches of 

 woods. If fuffered to attain their full 

 growth, they fhoot into poles of twenty 

 feet in length ; but they are ufuaJly cut 

 down fooner, in order to form walking- 

 flicks, fifhing-rods, flakes, hurdles, and 

 the like, or for burning into charcoal. 

 Hazel-charcoal is preferred to any other 

 by painters and engravers, for the freedom 

 with which it draws, and the readinefs 

 with which its marks can be rubbed 

 out. The nuts of the hazel are a ge- 

 nerally agreeable fruit. They abound in 

 a mild oil, which may be extracted by' 

 expreffion, and is nfed by painters for 

 mixing with their colours. Nuts, how- 

 ever, are difficult of digefiion, and, when 

 eaten in large quantities, often prove 

 hurtful. They ripen (ban after harveft; 

 and -Thorn (on gives an animated picture 

 of the amufement of gathering -them, 

 ufually termed mating, 



Ye 



