202 FOREST TREES. 



dye stuff, which, with copperas, produces a dark blue ; 

 and with the addition of a little alum, a black. 



Notwithstanding the timber, from this species of ma- 

 ple, furnishes an elegant material for cabinet work, and is 

 useful for many purposes in the domestic and common 

 arts, it is so subject to decay, and to be devoured by 

 worms, and to some other objections, that it will rapidly 

 give place to the cultivation of plants of smaller growth, 

 and will be less likely to be renewed than oak, ash, 

 walnut, and many other trees. 



The White J\laple grows in Maine and Vermont, 

 though it does not flourish so well under the rigorous 

 winters of these states, as in more southern climates. On 

 the banks of the Ohio it grows in abundance, and with 

 great majesty and beauty. Its numerous extended 

 branches, the richness of its foliage, interspersed with 

 that of the willow, the brilliant white of its leaves be- 

 neath, forming a striking contrast with the bright green 

 above, with an alternate reflection of both surfaces from 

 the water which it overhangs, increases in no small de- 

 gree the beauty of the landscape on this majestic river. 



It is remarked that this tree, unlike others of the same 

 genus, flourishes only on the banks of rivers with limpid 

 waters and gravelly beds, and not in swamps and other 

 miry soils or moist grounds. 



The flowers of the white maple open early in the 

 spring, are small and sessile, (closely set to the stem,) 

 and produce fruit with two capsules, larger than those 

 of most other species of this genus. 



The wood of this tree is white and of a fine grain, but 

 is softer and lighter than those of any other maple in the 

 United States ; and from its want of strength and dura- 

 bility, is but lit.tle used in the arts. It is, however, oc- 

 casionally used as a substitute for poplar for wooden 

 bowls, and for some part of cabinet work, when a better 

 material cannot be procured. Charcoal formed from this 

 wood, is much used and valued by hatters, as it affords 

 a more uniform heat, and of longer continuance than the 

 coal of any other wood. 



The sap is sometimes used for sugar, and produces 

 about the same quantity as the red flowering maple, 



