THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 117 



of this State. It varies much in height according to 

 situation and soil, but is usually from 30 to 40 feet, 

 though sometimes as high as 60, with a diameter of 

 18 to 20 inches. When standing alone it has a very 

 symmetrical form and is a handsome tree. The 

 heart-wood is of a brownish tint, hard, compact, 

 strong and elastic, but is said to be liable to split. It 

 has been used for large screws, mallets, shoe-lasts (con- 

 sidered equal to those made of Beech), and for the 

 shafts of vehicles, which are said to be better than 

 those made of Ash. With us the wood does not 

 appear to be much used. The inner bark is astrin- 

 gent and tonic, and has had some reputation for 

 being useful in intermittent fevers. The intolerable 

 astringency of the green fruit is well known. When 

 ripe it is liked by many, and is the basis of a bever- 

 age, by no means despicable, called ''Simmon Beer, 

 It is sometimes pounded up with bran, and the cakes, 

 dried in an oven, preserved for making beer with the 

 addition of hops and yeast. Brandy has been dis- 

 tilled from the fermented fruit, which is said to 

 become good with age. 



Mulberry. (Morus rubra, Linn.) — Well known 

 throughout the Union, but most abundant in the 

 Western States. It grows in all parts of this State, 

 but is least abundant in the Lower District. It is 

 from 50 to 70 feet high, and 1 to 2 in diameter. 

 When in proper soil, and unobstructed in its lateral 

 expansion by surrounding trees, this becomes a tree 

 of fine form and casts a very thick shade. The 



