IN EXTRA -TUOPICAL COUNTRIES. 45 



ref asCj ameliorates the soil to sucli an extent that in some parts 

 of Germany land so utilised has risen to fourfold its former 

 value. Beet furthermore affords one of the most fattening 

 stable-fodders ; and thus again an ample supply of manure. 

 In Middle Europe now about one-sixth of all the arable land is 

 devoted to beet, yet the produce of cereals has not become 

 reduced, while the rearing of fattened, cattle has increased. 

 Notwithstanding a heavy tax on the beet-sugar factories in 

 Europe, the industry has proved prosperous, and assumes 

 greater and greater dimensions. In 1865 the sugar consump- 

 tion of Europe amounted to 31,676,497 cwt., one-third of 

 which had been locally supplied by the beet, from over one 

 thousand beet-sugar factories. Treacle obtained from beet is 

 distilled for alcohol. For establishing remunerative factories 

 on a large and paying scale, it has been suggested that 

 farmers' companies might be formed. For ascertaining the 

 percentage of sugar in beet, saccharometers are used. In 

 Germany some scientific periodicals are exclusively devoted to 

 the fostering of this industry. 



Betnla acnminata, Wallich. 



Himalaya, between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. Attains a height 

 of 60 feet, and delights on forest streams. The wood hard, 

 strong, and durable. Another Himalayan Birch, B. utilis 

 (D. Don.), grows on arid ground, and produces good timber of 

 less hardness. 



Betula alba, Linn^.* 



The ordinary Birch of Em'ope and extra-tropical Asia. With 

 some WiUows approaching nearer to the North Pole than any 

 other woody vegetation. It attains a height of 80 feet, and 

 would here thrive best in moist glens of the ranges, or in the 

 higher regions of our mountains, where it would form up at the 

 Alpine zone excellent shelter plantations. The durable bark 

 serves for roofing. Wood white, turning red. The oil of the 

 bark is used in prepai-ing the Russian leather. 



Betula lenta, Willdenow. 



The Cherry Birch of North America. A tree of middle size, 

 liking moist ground, but is also content with dry soil. Bark 

 aromatic. Wood rose-coloured or dark, fine-grained, excellent 

 for furniture. It is so heavy that when fresh it will not float 

 in water. It is used for ships' keels, machinery, and other pur- 

 poses where strength, hardness, and durability are required. 

 Red Birch twigs furnish the best material for rough brooms. 



