264 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CH. xxxi. 



even 80 feet, but it is generally of small dimensions. 

 The wood is of a reddish-grey colour, moderately hard, 

 heavy, strong, and as durable as Oak. It is extensively 

 employed in America in the framing, and generally in 

 the construction of ships. Great curves and knee-pieces, 

 however, can only be obtained from the spurs of the root 

 and from the branches. 



The American Red Larch (Larix microcctrpd) is less 

 abundant, and as a building wood is not much known. 

 It is believed to be equal in strength and durability to 

 the Larix Americana, with which, indeed, it occasionally 

 passes without being detected. 



