HORNBEAM TREK. 171 



been cultivated " for underwood in the country, and in 

 the nurseries to form hedges after the French taste ; for 

 in most of their great gardens, their cabinets, &c. are 

 formed of these trees, as are their trellises and hedges 

 which surround the plantations. But since these sort 

 of ornaments have been banished from the English gar- 

 dens, there has been little demand for these trees in the 

 nurseries."" 



The Eastern Hornbeam, Carpinus orientalis, is of 

 humbler growth, and has smaller leaves. 



The Hop Hornbeam, so named from the form of its 

 fruit, was first observed in Italy, is very common in Ger- 

 many, and is said to grow in abundance in many parts of 

 North America. It is of quicker growth than the com- 

 mon Hornbeam, and sheds its leaves with the generality 

 of deciduous trees. 



The Virginian Flowing Hornbeam, Carpinus Ameri- 

 cana^ is of quicker growth than either of the former sorts: 

 it sheds its leaves in autumn, about the same time with 

 the elm, and during the season of its verdure has a hand- 

 some appearance, being well clothed with leaves, which 

 are of a deep green colour, similar to those of the long- 

 leaved elm. 



The other kinds are, in this country, commonly budded 

 on the Common Hornbeam ; which, however, is the 

 best for cultivation, as it will grow to a larger size, and 

 also will thrive upon cold, exposed, and barren hills, and 

 resist violent winds better than most trees. The timber 

 is tough and flexible, and when suffered to grow large, 

 may be converted to many useful purposes. Hitherto 

 it has been used chiefly for turnery ware, tool-handles, 

 yokes, &c. It is also an excellent fuel. 



Gerarde says, it was used to yoke oxen, as well by the 



