CHAPTER XXVII. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



THE ALDER TREE (Alnus glutinosd] 



is a native of this country, and requires a good soil to 

 faring it to perfection. It is generally found near to 

 streams, rivers, and swampy places, where it attains a 

 height of about 50 feet, with a circumference of from 

 2 to 4 feet. 



The wood is reddish-white in colour, soft, and light, 

 with a smooth, fine grain. It works up well, makes good 

 clogs and soles for shoes, and is used in a variety of 

 ways, but is of no great value to the carpenter, except 

 for the making of packing-cases. It has been used for 

 piles, pipes, sluices, &c., and is durable when kept wholly 

 submerged ; it is not now, however, much in request for 

 these purposes, as the Elm timber is considered to be far 

 preferable. 



The wood of the stem is very plain, and only em- 

 ployed for minor services ; but the roots and knots being 

 often richly veined, are used by the turner and cabinet- 

 maker for the manufacture of small wares. The bark is 

 used by dyers and tanners, and charcoal made from the 

 wood is employed in the manufacture of gunpowder. 



