CANADIAN TIMBER TREES. 31 
It resembles the red ash so as often to be confounded withit. The timber 
posesses the property of being very durable under water. 
Specifie gravity 0.7; weight of cubic foot 40 Ibs. 
5. Basswoop. Tilia americana. 
Nat. Ord. Tiliacee. 
This tree, which belongs to the same genus as that called the lime tree or 
linden in England, is highly ornamental, and grows abundantly in the rich woods 
of Western Canada, Flowers in May and June, and attains a great size. The 
wood is very light colored, firm and close in the grain, and when properly 
seasoned is not liable to warp or split. It is as soft as deal, and is used in the 
construction of piano fortes and other musical instruments, and for the cutting 
boards for curriers, shoemakers, c&c., as it does not draw or bias the knife in any 
direction of the grain nor injure its edge. It turns very cleanly, and is much used 
for manufacturing bowls, pails, shovels, dc. It is also very suitable for carving, 
from its open texture and freedom from knots; and, like the white wood, is much 
used for the pannelling of carriages, The inner bark is very strong and is man- 
ufactured into ropes. 
Outside wood contains 10 per cent. ; inside 4 per cert. potash. 
Specific gravity 0.48; weight of enbic foot 26 lbs. 
6. Waite Berce. Fagus sylvatica. 
Nat. Ord, Cupulifere, 
A tree of large dimensions, often rising to the height of 70 or 80 feet. It is 
distinguished from the red beech by the size, the lighter color of the bark and 
wood. The wood is also of more difficult cleavage, of greater compactness and 
strength, and preferable both as timber and for fuel. for which latter purpose 
the beech is most extensively employed. though it, as well as the maple and 
hickory, seems to be much too valuable a material for other purposes to be 
sacrificed to this meaner use. 
Specific gravity 0.672; weight of cubic foot 43 Ibs. 
Value for heating purposes 65. 
7, Rep Breck. Fagus ferruginea. 
Nat. Ord. Cupulifere. 
Mean dimensions of grown tree, 44 feet high and 27 inches diameter. Tt occurs 
commonly in all rich woods, flowering in May. The timber is not so much valued 
in America as in Europe, being mostly used here for piles in wet foundations, 
for which it is very well adapted, as also for firewood. It is well adapted, from 
its uniform texture and closeness of grain, for in-door works, as the frames of 
machines, common bedsteads, and furniture. It is much used for planes and 
other tools for carpenters; also for lathe-chucks, keys and cogs of machinery, 
shoe lasts, toys, brushes, handles, &c. It is also very suitable for carved moulds 
for picture frames, and for the large wooden letters used in printing. The 
wood is liable to be attacked by worms when stationary, as in framings ; but tools 
kept in use are not thus injured. It is easily worked, and may be brought toa 
very smooth surface. 
Specific gravity 0.672; weight of cubic foot 41 lbs. Outside wood contains 
12 per cent.; heartwood 4 per cent., potash. 
