WOODS AND PLANTATIONS. 379 



beech and the purple-leaved. The common beech is greatly used now as 

 a hedge plant. The timber is very hard, and extensively used in coach- 

 building, turning, and cabinet-making. 



The Scotch or Wych Elm ( Ulmus montana). This is a native of Scot- 

 land, and is a fine ornamental tree when of a large size. It forms 

 a large head, with strong drooping branches. It may be known from 

 its English neighbour by its heavy large branches, which are also of a 

 rougher nature. The timber is very tough, and the quality is good. It 

 is used for general country and agricultural purposes. 



The English Mm ( Ulmus campestris, Linnaeus).- This is found grow- 

 ing naturally in England, France, and some parts of the south of Europe. 

 It makes a fine park tree. The timber is hard and the quality good. It 

 is used in making blocks for wheels, 



The Horse-Chestnut (JSsculus hippocastanum). This forms a large 

 ornamental tree. It is a native of North America and Asia, and is a 

 beautiful tree for parks and pleasure-grounds. The quality of the timber 

 is soft and brittle, and of a white colour. It cannot be recommended as 

 a timber-tree, but it is very ornamental. 



The Spanish or Sweet Chestnut (Castanea vesca}. This is cultivated 

 to a considerable extent in the south of Europe. It forms a magnificent 

 tree, and may be often seen in this country attaining a height of from 

 eighty to ninety feet. It forms a fine park tree, and the timber is very 

 durable. Some fine trees of this description may be seen on the estate 

 of Lofthouse, in Yorkshire, growing on a deep light loam. They have 

 been allowed ample room to develop themselves, and are now fine 

 specimens. 



The Lime- Tree (Tilia Europona, Linnaeus). This is indigenous to 

 Europe, and grows to a height of from eighty to ninety feet. It is a very 

 ornamental tree, having sweet-scented flowers. It is admirably adapted 

 for avenues, pleasure-grounds, and parks. The timber is close grained, 

 but soft, and is used in turning- work and in the manufacture of musical 

 instruments. The bass ropes and mats which we use in this country 

 are made from the inner bark of this tree. 



The Walnut (Juglans regia, Linnaeus). This is a native of Persia, is 

 valuable for its fruit, and forms a very large ornamental tree. The 

 timber is used extensively in turning, cabinet-making, gun-stocking, &c. 



The Sycamore (Acer pseudo-platanus, Linnaeus). This tree is indi- 

 genous to Europe, is a rapid grower, and very hardy. Its timber is 

 much sought after, and is one of the most useful of our timber-trees. 

 The timber is very close grained and easily worked. It is much used in 

 making machinery and furniture. 



The Norway Maple (Acer plalanoides, Linnaeus). This tree grows 



