122 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



BIRCHES.— These are products chiefly of high 

 latitudes, both on the Eastern and Western Conti- 

 nents. In this State we have but a single species 

 below the mountains. 



1. Red Birch. (^Betula nigra, Linn.) — Common 

 on the banks of rivers from the coast to the moun- 

 tains, and known here only as Birch. This is sufficient 

 designation where no other species occurs, but it is 

 called Red Birch in those States and regions where it 

 is accompanied by others. It is from 40 to 60 feet 

 high, and 1 to 2 in diameter. It has wood of com- 

 pact grain, and light reddish tint, but not of very 

 high value, nor is it much used. It is sometimes em- 

 ployed in this State for the railing of balustrades, 

 and the like purposes. Hoops for casks may be made 

 from the branches and shoots, but of inferior quality. 



2. Black Birch. (B. lenta, Linn.) — In our 

 mountains, where alone this tree is found within this 

 State, it is simply called Birch. The most common 

 name -for it in the United States is the one above 

 given. In the mountains of Virginia it is called 

 Mountain Mahogany ; in New England Stveet Birch 

 and Cherry Birch. It is from 30 to 50 feet high, 

 with a smoothish trunk, resembling that of a Cherry 

 tree. The wood, freshly cut, is of a rosy hue, which 

 becomes darker by exposure, and similar to that of 

 Wild Cherry^ and is used, like that, for several sorts 

 of cabinet work. It has considerable strength, is of 

 fine close grain, and susceptible of a brilliant polish, 

 and is the most valuable of all the Birches known. 



