SOILS. 39 



it grows apace, soon decays, and the wood 

 is unprofitable. On light, sandy, or gravelly 

 soils, and in high elevated situations, it will 

 flourish, grow slowly, and product the most 

 durable timber. 



The usefulness of this tree in husbandry, 

 (for harrow-buls, &c.) in machinery, and 

 to the turner, is universally known. In 

 coaleries, for underground props and wag- 

 gon-road sleepers, it is much used. In the 

 Highlands, where natural woods of Oak and 

 Birch abound in mixture, and which are cut 

 in hags for the sake of the bark chiefly, it is 

 well known that the bark of both trees is fre- 

 quently used indiscriminately ; and, when 

 otherwise, that the Birch brings a price equal 

 to eight-tenths, at least, of that of the Oak*. 



* The operation of barking these two trees is per- 

 formed in a different manner, and also at a different 

 season. All the bark of the Oak is used (although it is 

 doubtful whether any but the inner bark be useful), 

 whereas the outward shreddy bark of the Birch is re- 

 jected. The Birch is barked in winter, or the early- 

 part of spring ; and the Qak from the first of May to 

 the first or middle of July, according to the season. 

 The bark of the Mountain-ash is also frequently used, 

 and is treated in the manner of the Birch ; to which, 

 however, it is inferior. It is observable, that the bark 



