230 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



forstliche Verhalten der wichtigeren in Deutschland 

 vorkommenden Holzarten." 



(2.) Under volume-increment is here understood the 

 mean annual production per acre in crowded woods 

 calculated from the increment of the most favourable 

 rotation. . 



(3.) The information about insects refers principally 

 to Britain. 



1. BEECH Fagus sylvatica (L.). 



a. Utility. 



Beech yields excellent fire-wood, and very good char- 

 coal. The timber is not of much value where strength 

 and durability is wanted ; it is brittle and short grained. 

 Specific gravity, air-dried, on an average = '74. Under 

 water it lasts well. Formerly the timber was much used 

 in machinery, especially by millwrights ; now-a-days iron 

 has replaced it for many purposes. Beech wood is still 

 used for furniture, in carpentry, turnery, &c., more 

 especially for the manufacture of chairs in Bucking- 

 hamshire and adjoining counties. On the continent 

 it is much used for packing-cases and barrels. The 

 leaves are used for litter, the nuts as fodder for pigs 

 and deer ; the seeds yield a superior oil. The wood is 

 rich in potash. 



b. Distribution. 



It is found in temperate Europe from Norway to the 

 Mediterranean, or between the 40th and 60th degree of 



