HOW TO GROW GOOD TIMBER. 311 



be obtained from the nurserymen, some of which are 

 more curious than useful ; but we must not omit to 

 mention the Copper Beech (Far/us sylvatlca, var. 

 'purpurea). This, judiciously disposed, is capable of 

 affording' a great charm to the wood, and more espe- 

 cially in plantations near the homestead. They are 

 fast-growing trees, and at present are here and there 

 to be met with of considerable size. We once pos- 

 sessed a couple on our lawn, the largest of which 

 must have been nearly six feet in circumference ; and 

 what from its colour, the thickness of its foliage, and 

 the fine sweep of its branches, it was capable of 

 yielding shade and shelter of a most perfect and 

 agreeable kind. 



The drip of the beech is prejudicial to cultivation, 

 we think, from the circumstance that the hard, 

 though thin, leaves are so difficult of decomposition 

 that where they fall they leave a thick carpet covering 

 up the ground. If, then, these trees are in such a 

 position as to do mischief from this cause, the leaves 

 should be removed, and they will, if stored, be found 

 very useful in making hotbeds, linings to pots, and 

 other gardening work. 



Beech is less liable to insect attacks than almost 

 any other tree; the most annoying is that of the 

 Aphis, especially when near the house, as this 

 harbours insects of all kinds, and the exuding 

 honey-clew much injures the aspect of the tree. 



Beech timber would be more valuable than it is 

 were it not for its liability, when in panels, tables, 

 and furniture, to be attacked and bored by weevils. 

 We once had our house so infested with these little 

 beetles, derived from some furniture of this wood, as 



