144 FOREIGN TIMBER-TREES. 



We must now^ I suppose/' said Mr, Long- 

 hurst^ acquaint ourselves a little more with 

 trees of foreign growth. We cannot do this^ 

 as before^ by a woodland stroll^ and thereby 

 obtain^ from actual inspection^ the required 

 knowledge. So we must do as well as we can^ 

 with the help of books^ and what little my own 

 travels may add to their stores. We shall con- 

 fine ourselves^ at present^ to those few — some 

 five or six — which are most curious, the best 

 known, or the most useful. We will begin 

 with that of which, in England, we see the 

 most within doors, although every foot of it is 

 imported. What can it be ?" 



Mahogany," was the instant reply. 



