484 Of Plantations. 



One of the most important uses for which this tree is at 

 present employed, is as nurse or shelter to young planta- 

 tions, in which it is the object to rear more valuable timber. 

 In this case, it is necessary gradually to weed out the Scotch 

 fir, so as to furnish the trees, of which the plantation is 

 finally to consist, with the proper supply of air and sun. 



The Mountain-ash, (Sorbus aucuparia, Linn.) This tree 

 will grow at an elevation of about 2000 feet, and as it thrives 

 well in dry and rocky soils, it is well calculated for exposed 

 and elevated situations, and may be advantageously em- 

 ployed for the purposes of shelter. It is much cultivated 

 of late in pleasure-grounds, on account of the beauty of its 

 foliage, its flowers, and its fruit. The wood is of use where 

 a hard and compact substance is required ; and its bark 

 possesses a considerable degree of the tanning principle, and 

 leaves the substance tanned, more soft and pliant than the 



The Birch, (Betula alba, Linn.) This tree is the natural 

 decoration of a northern clime. It has been found growing 

 naturally more than 1500 feet above the level of the sea. 

 It will thrive almost any where, but succeeds best in a light 

 dry soil ; and bears better than any other tree, the severities 

 of a northern clime ( 573 ). It is useful to the turner ; in va- 

 rious kinds of machinery ; for underprops in coal-pits ; and 

 in making sleepers for railways. A species of excellent 

 vinous liquor has likewise been made from the birch ( 574 ) 

 But its most important use has hitherto been too much ne- 

 glected in this country. It is the bark of the birch tree that 

 produces that glutinous, odoriferous, and inflammable gum 

 or oil, which the Germans and Russians employ in tanning 

 leather, and which gives it that peculiar odour, so hostile to 

 insects ( 575 ). 



The Beech, (Fagus sylvatica, Linn.) This is a hardy tree, 

 and will thrive in moderately elevated situations, particular- 

 ly in calcareous soils, as chalk hills and downs, as well as in 

 deep and sandy loams. It will likewise grow among lime- 

 stone rocks, where soil is scarcely visible. The timber is 

 valuable for certain husbandry purposes, as the bottom of 

 carts and waggons. It is also very useful for beams of 

 barns, or out-buildings, or boarding for stalls, either in 

 stables or byres, as also where the flail is used, for thrash- 

 ing floors, and for various kinds of machinery. It is also 

 peculiarly well fitted for water-works of all descriptions ; 

 and it is used for the keels of ships. It is much employed 

 in making chairs, bedsteads, and other articles of furniture; 



