82 ACER PLATANOIDES. 
vasated sap of the leaves, and by others as the exudation of plant -lice (aphides.) 
Bees are so fond of it, that it has been recommended by some, to plant this spe- 
cies in the vicinity of places where they are kept, to afford them forage ; but 
according to others, the bitterness of this substance on the leaves, prevents them 
from being attacked by insects. 
Properties and Uses. The wood of the Norway maple, in its young state, is 
white ; but at a more advanced age, it becomes gray. It promises to be of more 
value in England, and adapted for a greater variety of purposes, than that of the 
Acer pseudo-platanus. It is close-grained, firm, heavy, and frequently exhibits 
those beautiful appearances in the direction and disposition of the fibres, for 
which the American "bird's-eye maple" is so highly prized. When dry, it 
weighs forty-three and a quarter pounds to a cubic foot ; and in seasoning, it 
loses about one twenty- fourth part of its weight. It is easily worked, takes a 
fine polish, and absorbs and retains various kinds of dyes and colouring sub- 
stances. From the sap, sugar has been made in Norway, Sweden, and Lithu- 
ania. This tree, however, does not produce so great a quantity of sap as the Acer 
saccharinum, or the European sycamore ; bat it contains more saccharine matter 
than the latter, and less than the former. 
Independently of the above-named uses, this tree has much to recommend its 
general culture, both in Europe and in America. In a suitable soil, it grows with 
rapidity and luxuriance, and even thrives upon soils of an inferior quality, pro- 
vided they are not charged with too much moisture. Another recommendation 
it possesses, is its aptitude to withstand the effects of the sea-breeze, which it 
has proved to do upon the western coast of Scotland, as well as upon the shores 
of the Baltic, and eastern coast of Norway.^ It may be propagated by seeds, 
by layering, or grafting. The seeds, when gathered, should either be sown 
immediately, or mixed with sand or earth, and kept moderately dry till spring. 
In either case, they will come up the first year. 
* Selby, British Forest Trees, p. 24. 
