133 



Laburnum Cytisus. 



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 



VOL n. 12 



