THE BEECH. 99 



the latter by Linnaeus, the great Swedish Naturalist. 

 The wood, however, differs much from the others in 

 being very close and fine-grained. The fruit is en- 

 closed in a scaly burr, somewhat resembling the cup 

 of an acorn, which, when matured, opens into four 

 sections, and allows the triangular nuts to escape. In 

 France and Germany, an excellent oil is obtained 

 from the kernels, which is said to be superior to that 

 produced by the Olive. 



The beech is rarely found living to any great age, 

 although occasional specimens are met with which 

 are evidently of great antiquity. A Beech which 

 stood some years since in Windsor Forest, England, 

 is said to have existed prior to the Norman Conquest, 

 which would indicate that it had known the changes 

 of at least 800 years. At the time of the last mea- 

 surement, it was about 36 feet in circumference at 

 the base. 



In America the beech is a beautiful tree, with 

 dense and finely-cut foliage, forming a thick and im- 

 penetrable shade. It sometimes attains a height of 

 100 feet, with a trunk measuring 8 or 10 feet in cir- 

 cumference. 



In connection with the Chestnut and Beech must 

 be mentioned the Walnut and Hickory; trees of great 

 beauty and interest, as well as utility. Of each, there 

 are several varieties. Of the Walnut, the Black is 

 probably the most useful by far, it being used very 

 extensively in this its native country, as well as in 

 Europe, for the manufacture of cabinet-ware. The 

 wood, which is of a fine dark color, and beauti- 



