XXXI.] 



LARCHES. 



347 



purposes (for which it was judged to be especially 

 suitable), in place of Baltic Fir and Pine timber. 



It disappointed, however, the expectations of the 

 officers, as it was soon found to shrink so excessively, 

 that it was impossible to keep it weather or water-tight ; 

 in consequence of this it was removed from the ship. 

 The remains of the parcel therefore passed into conver- 

 sion for the most common and ordinary services, and, 

 of the board produced, much was used for berthing in 

 the timber sheds. It stood the test of exposure in such 

 situations for fully eight years without showing any signs 

 of decay, but exhibited a disposition to warp and shrink 

 far exceeding that of any other wood in present use in 

 carpentry. 



The subjoined Table, No. CXXXIX,, shows that the 

 Russian Larch is slightly deficient in transverse strength, 

 as compared with the Firs and Pines ; but, otherwise, it 

 is above their average. 



Table CXXXIX.— Larch (Russian). 

 Transverse Experiments. 



Remakks. — All broke with a moderate length of fracture. 



