412 [Assembly 



LINDEN (tilia). 



There are two kinds of this beautiful tree. The male, which is 

 very knotty and of a red color, produces neither flower nor seed, 

 whereas the female blossoms odoriferously, perfuming the air for 

 a great distance. Though they are of both sexes, they differ en- 

 tirely in form. They may be raised from seeds or suckers, layers 

 or branches ; you may even peel off a strip of bark, leaving it at- 

 tached by a small portion to the mother tree, and cover it with 

 earth at a distance therefrom, and it will grow. In a rich loam 

 the linden will make the most rapid and astonishing growth. It 

 has an upright trunk, smooth bark, beautiful leaf, fragrant blos- 

 som, and forms an almost impervious shade. Trees the size of a 

 man's body may be moved even in the month of July, if proper 

 care and attention is bestowed upon the operation. The timber 

 is strong and light, and is frequently turned into boxes for the 

 use of druggists ; architects use it for models of buildings; baskets 

 are made of the twigs ; the ancients used the smooth side of the 

 bark for writing tablets ; the Grecians made bottles, pumps for 

 ships, and lattices for windows of it. The berries, when reduced 

 to a powder, immediately stop excessive bleeding at the nose ; the 

 bruised bark is an admirable application to wounds, and the sap, 

 distilled, is recommended in cases of disease of the heart, vertigo, 

 apoplexy, &c. 



THE ALDER (alnus). 



This tree is peculiarly adapted to moist boggy land, where it 

 grows luxuriantly, and may be planted in two feet lengths, plunged 

 in the mud, where it at once takes root, and rapidly forms a tree. 

 This timber lasts under water almost equal to stone. In Italy it 

 is generally used for piling to build upon, and was highly com- 

 mended in the days of Vitruvius. The Rialto at Venice is built 

 upon alder piling. Tanners, dyers and leather dressers use the 

 bark, which likewise makes an admirable ink. There are three 

 varieties, the common alder (alnus serulata), European alder (al- 

 nus glutinosa), black alder (alnus glauca). 



