THE BEECH. 283 
smooth and of a silvery cast, and when the heat of summer 
unfolds its silken foliage, it displays a verdure of softness and 
delicacy, and when viewed in the park, amidst the sunshine 
and showers of summer time, it is a gem indeed. 
In growing beech timber, the most approved mode is to plant 
the tree in masses by itself, about six feet apart, except such 
as are planted on the outside or more exposed parts of mixed 
plantations, for shelter. When the species stands by itself, 
the trees, by pressing gently on each other, readily assume 
the best figure, and thus supersede the necessity of pruning. 
It luxuriates in a dry calcareous soil, and even in poor sands, 
where many kinds of hard-wood plants can scarcely exist. 
When interspersed throughout a plantation, it readily adds 
depth to the forest, but it is apt to prevail and subdue more 
valuable kinds. It is found more destructive to plants under 
its drip than almost any other tree; so that even the holly 
and yew are apt to suffer by it. It is seldom profitably 
grown after the age of seventy years. 
Beech timber is not generally valuable. It stands well 
under water, and when it can be obtained of great length, it 
is esteemed for keels to vessels. It is often used as piles, 
flood-gates, and sluices, in the manufacture of chairs, bed- 
steads, carpenters’ tools, shovels for maltsters, and wooden 
rollers. The turner, joiner, and toy-maker consume large 
quantities of it. At fishing stations along the sea-side it is 
employed as firewood in smoking -haddocks, herrings, etc., 
and sometimes it is used as railway sleepers. It is very 
superior as firewood, and its charcoal is esteemed in the 
manufacture of gunpowder. The price of the timber varies 
much in different localities, ranging from 6d. to 1s. 6d. per 
cubic foot, and, when adapted for ship keels, at double that 
price. The timber takes a high polish, and is often stained 
in imitation of other substances. The beech cannot be 
recommended as a suitable tree for coppice wood, as it 
springs irregularly, and often fails altogether. 
The mast, or nuts, are often yielded in great profusion by 
old trees, and afford in autumn the choice food of the deer, 
