430 OUR WOODLAND TREES. 
into the earth, and ramify also to a considerable 
distance laterally from the Tree trunk. The leaf 
is extremely beautiful, somewhat pyramidal in 
form, divided along the margin into deep, rounded 
lobes, each of which is serrated. The dividing 
mid-vein continuing the leaf-stalk, gives out on 
each side symmetrical branch veins, which run to 
the apices of the lobes, and are, in turn, branched 
on each side. The roundish, pale red fruit which 
succeeds the blossom, is acid to the taste; but 
becomes mellowed by decay, and, like the fruit of 
the Wild Service Tree, has somewhat the flavour of 
the Medlar. 
Whilst the fruit of the White Beam is greedily 
eaten by birds, squirrels, and many other in- 
habitants of the woodlands, its timber is of 
peculiar use, on account of its great hardness, 
close grain, and susceptibility to polish. It was, 
when wooden cogs for wheels were in request, used 
for that purpose. The Tree cannot be easily cul- 
tivated by cuttings but may be raised from seed, 
and the young Tree will grow at the rate of nearly 
two feet a year. The soil best suited to it is 
one that is chalky and somewhat dry. 
