36 THE PRACTICAL PLANTER, 



The wood of this tree is of little value, 

 It is chiefly used by the turners ; to which, 

 however, they prefer the Sycamore and 

 Aspen-tree. I have been told by a manu- 

 facturer of gunpowder, that charcoal of it 

 is useful in that art. It is also said to make 

 lasting props in coal or iron mines. I have 

 planted many thousands in this intention. 

 Being planted by the sides of rapid rivers, 

 no other tree is equally well adapted for 

 preserving their banks. 



ASH 



Affects most a sandy or gravelly loam, 

 and is there found of highest perfection 

 and value as timber. Nevertheless, it grows 

 freely on all soils, except a stiff" clay with 

 a hard retentive bottom. In rich lands its 

 wood is short and brittle; but on sand or 

 gravel it is tough and reedy, which consti- 

 tutes its greatest value. In the former case, 

 also, it goes soon to decay, by overgrowing 

 its strength ; but in the latter it will live and 

 flourish to a great age. 



No tree in the forest comes to be of use 

 so soon as the Ash. It possesses the singular 



