THE LABURNUM. 



133 



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Lahitrnum — Ci/tisus. 



the farmer, spoil the young laburnums by gnawing 

 the bark, in winter. 



Even of the small size to which it is permitted to 

 grow, laburnum is used for many purposes, — as 

 wedges, pulleys, pegs, the handles of knives, and 

 other instruments. 



When of larger dimensions, no timber is fitter for 

 cabinet work of all kinds. It takes a fine polish, it 

 looks well, and it is durable. Chairs made of it are 

 far stronger than any mahogany. It may, how- 

 ever, be doubted whether laburnum holds glue as 

 well, because it contains an oil, which never dries 

 out ; and it is harder to work than mahogany. This 

 oily property fits it well for pins of blocks, and cogs 

 in mill-work, as its unctuous nature prevents it from 



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