ASH. 



(Fraxinus.) 



Ash is widely distributed over the temperate regions of the 

 northern hemisphere, and occurs in the tropics, on the island 

 of Cuba. The tree has occupied a position second only to 

 that of oak. Our Teutonic forefathers relied upon its wood for 

 boats and weapons. Their ancient 

 faith connects it with the creation of 

 the original man. It is often asso- 

 ciated with oak in country proverbs.* 

 Europeans regard the trees for or- 

 namental purposes, but Americans 

 value them for wood. 



Ash and oak woods resemble one 

 another in that there are bands of 

 open pores in both woods, but the 

 pith-rays of the ash are thinner and 

 scarcely discernible . Ash is coarser, 

 less attractive, easier to work, tough, 

 elastic, and somewhat lighter than oak. It seasons well, but 

 does not last when exposed to the weather. Lumbermen sep- 

 arate the woods into white and black ash, the former including 

 the lighter-colored and more desirable pieces. This commer- 

 cial division is also a botanical one in the North, where the 

 only species of any note are the white ash and black ash 

 (F. americaua and F. nigra). The Southern green ash (F. 

 lanceolatd] is usually classed as white ash. The trees that grow 

 up after the cutting of the virgin forest afford tougher, more 

 pliable, but not necessarily stronger pieces, known as ' ' second- 

 growth " ash. Although' not relied upon for out-of-door con- 

 struction, ash is one of the most important of the cheaper 

 cabinet woods and is used in stairs, furniture, and similar works. 



WHITE ASH {Fraxinus 

 americaua). 



* A tradition, old in Pliny's time, is that serpents avoid ash trees; another is 

 that ash is particularly liable to be struck by lightning. (Keeler.) 



