XXVII. | ASH, BEECH. 213 
tion, therefore, from the bright whitish colour may be 
taken as indicating a deterioration which will affect its : 
strength and durability. , 
The United States Ash is much slower in growth — 
than the English, and is probably, not so durable. 
THE BEECH TREE (Fagus sylvatica) 
is found in abundance in the central and southern 
districts of this country. It is also extensively spread 
over the middle and south of Europe, and varieties 
of this species are to be met with in America and 
Australia. It is of erect and straight growth, attains — 
the height of 60 to 70 feet, with a circumference of from 
10 to 12 feet, and being of very hardy habits, is often 
planted in the most exposed positions, to lend beauty 
and picturesqueness to the surrounding scenery. 
The wood is light brown in colour, hard, moderately 
heavy, close and even in texture, with a fine silky 
grain. It cleaves easily, works up well, and is remarkable 
for its minute pores, and for the distinctness with which 
the medullary rays can be traced. 
Beech is employed for chair-making, and it is estimated 
that at least 12,000 to 15,000 loads are annually required 
from the English forests for this purpose. Engineers use 
it for piles and works under water, and it is in great 
request by turners, tool-makers, and others, who use it 
extensively in the domestic arts. It makes excellent 
wedges. 
Formerly it was employed in ship-building, and found 
to answer admirably for the keel and garboard planking; 
it was also used.for the ladders between decks, shot 
cants, and for many minor services. Upon the Continent, 
owing to the important property the Beech has of not 
absorbing water readily, it is much used for making 
