Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 77 



cultivated, thrive best in moist glens of ranges or in the higher 

 regions of mountains, and it would form at the alpine zone also excel- 

 lent shelter-plantations. The variety B. pubescens (Ehrhart) attains 

 still a height of 60 feet in lat. 70 N. in Norway [Schuebeler]. 

 Content with the poorest soil. The variety B. populifolia (Willd.) 

 extends to North-Eastern America, the variety B. occidentalis 

 (Hooker) to North- Western America, The durable bark serves for 

 rough roofing and watertight baskets. Wood white, turning red, 

 tough, adapted for spools, skates, wooden shoes, shoe-pegs and many 

 other minor purposes, also for some parts of the work of organ- 

 builders ; affords like that of other Beeches charcoal for gunpowder. 

 The oil of the bark is used in preparing the Russian leather. The 

 leaves, when boiled with the addition of alum and potash, produce a 

 yellow dye, which is called in Germany Schiittgelb. 



Betula alnoides, Hamilton. 



Himalaya, between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. Attains a height of 60 

 feet, and thrives along forest-streams. The wood is hard, strong and 

 durable. Another Himalayan Birch, B. utilis (D. Don), grows on 

 arid ground, and produces good timber of less hardness. 



Betula lenta, Linn<5. 



The " Cherry-Birch " of North- America. A tree reaching to 80 

 feet in height, and 2 feet in stem-diameter, liking moist ground, but 

 also content with dry soil. Comparatively quick in growth. North- 

 ward, hardy to Christiania in Norway [Schuebeler]. Wood rose- 

 coloured or dark, fine-grained, excellent for furniture. It is so heavy, 

 that when fresh it will not float in water. It is used for ships' keels, 

 machinery, furniture and other purposes, where strength, hardness, 

 and durability are required. Bark of a somewhat aromatic odor. 

 Several Birches occur in Japan ; these might well be tried elsewhere. 



Betula lutea, Michaux. 



The " Yellow or Gray Birch " of North-Eastern America. Height 

 sometimes 80 feet. Adapted for moist forest-land. In timber 

 similar to B. lenta. The wood is used for shoe-lasts and various 

 other purposes. 



Betula nigra, Linn& 



The " Red Birch " or " River-Birch " of North- America. One of 

 the tallest of Birches, attaining to 90 feet. Occasionally more than 

 3 feet in stem-diameter. If grown on the banks of streams, it will 

 bear intense heat. The wood is compact, of a light colour, easily 

 worked, excellent for turning, also in use by cabinet-makers and 

 carriage-builders ; well adapted to sustain shocks and friction 

 [Robb]. It is also used for shoe-lasts, bowls and trays, and the 

 saplings and branches for hoops. The bark is well adapted for rough 

 roofing. Twigs of the Red Birch furnish one of the best materials 

 for rough brooms. Hardy at Christiania [Schuebeler]. 



