158 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



THE BIRCH TREE. Betula. 

 Nat. Ord. Betulaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria. 



The Birch trees are common inhabitants of the forests 

 of all cold and elevated countries. They are remarkable 

 for their smooth, silvery- white, or reddish colored stems, 

 delicate and pliant spray, and small, light foliage. There 

 is no deciduous tree which will endure a more rigorous 

 climate, or grow at a greater elevation above the level of 

 the sea. It is found growing in Greenland and Kams- 

 chatka, as far north as the 58th and 60th degree of 

 latitude, and on the Alps in Switzerland, according to 

 that learned botanist, M. DeCandolle, at the elevation of 

 4,400 feet. It is undoubtedly the most useful tree of 

 northern climates. Not only are cattle and sheep 

 sometimes fed upon the leaves, but the Laplander 

 constructs his hut of the branches ; the Russian forms 

 the bark into shoes, baskets, and cordage for harnessing 

 his reindeer ; and the inhabitants of Northern Siberia, in 

 times of scarcity, grind it to mix with their oatmeal for 

 food. In this country the birch is no less useful. The 

 North American Indian, and all who are obliged to travel 

 the wild, unfrequented portions of British America, 

 who have to pass over rapids, and make their way 

 through the wilderness from river to river, find the 

 canoe made of the birch bark, the lightest, the most 

 durable, and convenient vessel, for these purposes, in the 

 world.* 



* The following interesting description of their manufacture, we quote from 

 Michaux. " The most important purpose to which the Canoe birch is applied; 

 and one in which its place is supplied by no other tree, is the construction of 



