THE LIME-TREE. 84-9 



12. Lime-Tree or Linden — Tilia (L.). 



Two species of lime-tree have to be mentioned : — 



(1.) Small leaved lime-tree = Tilui parrifolia, Ehrh. 



(2.) Broad leaved lime-tree = 7't//a r/raiulifolin, Ehrh. 



The former is the more important forest tree. An inter- 

 mediate species is Tilia intcnnedia, D.C.,or Tilia europcea, L., 

 in Britain called the common lime-tree. 



a. Utility. 



The wood of the lime-tree is very light and soft, little 

 durable, and of small heating power. Specific gravity about 

 •45. 



The timber is not fit for building purposes, but is used for 

 tool handles, by joiners and coach-builders, for carving, piano 

 sounding boards, cigar boxes, and for paper manufacture ; 

 young shoots are used for withes. The charcoal is used as 

 crayons and for the manufacture of gunpowder. The bark 

 yields bast for ropes, mats, packing, etc. The flowers yield a 

 medicinal tea. 



The timber of the small leaved species is somewhat denser 

 than that of the broad leaved lime-tree. 



Ii. iJisfrilnitii)//. 



The small leaved species occurs in Europe from the 62"^ of 

 latitude southwards. North and West Asia ; goes up to 3,300 

 feet in the Tyrol. The broad leaved species is indigenous in 

 Middle Europe and West Asia; goes up to 2,800 feet in 

 the Tyrol. 



Neither species is indigenous in Britain. 



r. Locatitij. 



Climate.— The lime-tree is frost tender, and still more 

 sensitive against drought. It is by some considered a light 

 demander, by others a shade bearer ; practically it occupies a 

 middle position in this respect. It is fairly storm firm. 



