44 SYLVAN SKETCHES 



were the food of man, as also were acorns. Hence it has 

 been aptly termed 



The foodful Beech." 



Evelyn mentions a Roman consul, Passienus Crispus, 

 " who fell in love with a prodigious Beech, of a wonderful 

 age and stature, which he used to sleep under, and would 

 sometimes refresh it by pouring wine at the roots.*" 



Wordsworth gives an agreeable picture of a Beech- 

 tree : 



" A single Beech-tree grew 



Within this grove of firs, and in the fork 

 Of that one Beech appeared a thrush's nest ; 

 A last year's nest, conspicuously built 

 At such small elevation from the ground, 

 As gave sure sign that they who in that house 

 Of nature and of love had made their home, 

 Amid the fir-trees all the summer long 

 Dwelt in a tranquil spot." 



The abundance of coal in this country renders us 

 indifferent to the characters of wood as fuel ; but on the 

 continent, beech wood is preferred before all others for 

 chamber fires, as it kindles easily, and gives a clear lively 

 fire. The bois d'Andelle burnt in the genteelest houses 

 in Paris is almost entirely beech. 



