CHVP. XVIII.] WALNUT. 147 



weighing 5 to 6 cwt. each, are common to the Walnut 

 trees of Italy and the Black Sea ; they are often prettily 

 mottled or figured, and make rich and splendid veneers 

 for the cabinet-maker ; those of the best qualify are con- 

 sequently much prized, and have been known to realise 

 jC^o to ,-^6o per ton weight. 



ASH {Fraxinus excelsior). 



Among British timber trees this occupies a very 

 prominent place, on account of its great beauty and 

 highly ornamental character. It attains commonly a 

 height of 30 to 50 feet, with a circumference of from 5 

 to 6 feet, and grows in almost any description of soil, 

 but prefers a rich deep loam and moisture to bring it to 

 the greatest perfection. 



We find it frequently raised in coppices. In the 

 pottery districts, owing to its value as crate wood, it is 

 cut every five or six years, while in other places it is cut 

 down only at intervals of seven or eight years. From 

 the early falls poles for lances are obtained, besides 

 much that is useful to the cooper, the turner, and manu- 

 facturer of small wares. The later falls yield timber of 

 more useful dimensions, and this is exceedingly valuable 

 to the coachmaker and the wheelwright. 



The wood is greyish-white in colour, of moderate 

 weight and hardness, very even and close in the grain, 

 tough, elastic, easily split or worked, and very pliable. 

 To the carpenter, however, it is only found to be avail- 

 able for very minor purposes, as, owing to its great 

 flexibility, it can never be safely used in architectural 

 works, though it warps but little. For hoops, and all 

 kinds of agricultural implements, however, it is in- 

 valuable, since when steamed or heated it can easily be 



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