502 CONIFERS. 



of the netted structure and strong lateral adhesion of the 

 fibres of the wood. In a ship the Larch seems to become 

 harder and more durable by age ; it also holds iron as 

 firmly as oak, but without corroding it like that wood, the 

 bolts of old Larch vessels having been driven out perfectly 

 clean, and fit for further use ; and as it does not shrink, 

 it retains the oakum, and requires less frequent caulking 

 than oak ; this quality also, as well as that of resisting 

 damp, makes it a valuable material for the decks and 

 interior fitting of vessels. 



For clinker-built boats, the Larch, in consequence of its 

 strength and durability, wherever it has become known, 

 has completely superseded the use of other fir timber ; for 

 this purpose, Matthew observes, " young trees of about 

 nine inches in diameter in root-cuts from ten to twenty 

 feet in length with a gentle bend at one end, such as Larch 

 receives from the south-west wind, are the most suitable." 

 " The log," he adds, " should be kept in the bark until 

 used ; and in dry weather, the boards put upon the boat's 

 side within two or three days from being sawn out, as no 

 timber we are acquainted with parts sooner with its mois- 

 ture than the Larch, and the boards do not work or bend 

 pleasantly when dry." The same author also recommends 

 from his experience, the roots of Larch, or rather the main 

 roots with a portion of the stem which forms an angle with 

 them, as the best of all knees for ship-building, for they 

 are, he says, " possessed of such strength and durability, 

 and of such adaptation, by their figure and toughness, that 

 were a sufficient quantity in the market, and their qualities 

 generally known, we believe that none else would be used 

 for vessels of any description of timber ; even for our war 

 navy of oak." Directions are also given how to prepare 

 the roots for this important purpose, which is chiefly effect- 

 ed by gradually baring that portion of the main roots 



