CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 25 



In cross-section concentric zones are marked here and there. The 

 scattered pores are invisible, though their arrangement is marked by a 

 white halo round each : under the lens they are seen to be plugged. The 

 numerous medullary rays, though fine, are just visible. 



Beech, European. Fagus sylvatica, Linn. Weight, 43 lbs. 



The common beech tree is widely distributed over Europe, extending 

 from Great Britain and Norway to Spain ; it is also found in Asia Minor, 

 and occurs even in Japan. 



The wood is Hght reddish-brown, moderately hard and heavy, close 

 and even in texture, with a fine silky grain. The trees after being felled 

 should be sawn into planks, boards, and scantlings as soon as possible. 

 If conversion be delayed, incipient decay is soon indicated by the appear- 

 ance of white specks or brownish or pink streaks. The wood is lacking 

 in durability when exposed to alternate dryness or wetness, so that it is 

 unsuited for outdoor constructional work, or for props or railway-sleepers ; 

 moreover it is sensitive to changes in moisture, for it readily warps and 

 cracks. Yet when felled and at once placed under water, beech is very 

 durable. In partial illustration of this statement may be mentioned the 

 beech logs that formed the original foundation of Winchester Cathedral. 

 These were laid in 1262 in successive layers in peat ^ and water to a depth 

 of from 5 to 15 feet. In 1906 Messrs. J. Thompson & Co. (of Peter- 

 borough) raised these water-covered logs, which were found on the out- 

 side to be soft and spongy to a depth of many inches, but at the core to 

 be hard and sound, varying in colour from Hght brown to dead black. 

 In the dry air of rooms, beech in the form of furniture lasts indefinitely 

 as far as resistance to decay is concerned, but here it is very liable to 

 attack by " worm " [beetle], which sooner or later will excavate and with 

 its fine tunnels destroy the wood. Many costly chairs of the Queen Anne 

 period were made of beech, stained and inlaid in beautiful English and 

 Dutch marquetry work. The framework of some of these is often found 

 to be riddled with the " shot holes " of the " worm," which has thus 

 caused the destruction of the furniture. A valuable violoncello has been 

 lately spoilt owing to the appearance of these " worm " holes, which 

 have perforated the sides and back, in which, unfortunately, beech wood 

 had been used. These beetles also continually spread to other furniture, 

 of whatever wood it may be. If, therefore, any article is to last for any 

 considerable length of time, beech should not be used in its construction. 



Despite these limitations beech wood is valuable, and is employed for 



many and very varied purposes, since it is strong, elastic, spHts weU, takes 



a good poUsh, and, when steamed, is readily bent. It is used for tools, 



planes, keys and cogs of machinery, shoe-lasts, boot-trees, toys, malt 



^ Probably the peat aided in the preservation of the logs. 



