376 PROPERTIES AND USES OF TIMBER. 



larch has been used for ages in the construction of 

 houses, there are many very ancient buildings, in 

 which the larch beams and flooring do not exhibit 

 the trace of a worm, or decay of any kind. At 

 Venice, where piles of this wood have been much 

 used, the most unequivocal proofs are said to exist 

 of its indestructibility in water. It has the ad- 

 vantage, too, that it may be cut down for use at a 

 much earlier period than the Scots fir. When used 

 at forty years old, in the construction of boats, it has 

 been known to last as long again as the best Nor- 

 way pine employed for the same purpose. Larch 

 wood may not only be formed into the plain furni- 

 ture which is used in kitchens, cottages, &;c. ; but, 

 with the aid of a little varnish, will do very well 

 for bookcases, writing-desks, shop-counters, and 

 many other purposes where appearance is of consi- 

 derable importance. Its property of resisting mois- 

 ture makes it answer well in all out-door work, es- 

 pecially for stakes and posts, which require to be 

 driven partly into the ground. Its durability, in 

 this capacity, has often been put to the test, and 



so slightly injured, as to be fit to be used for the same pur- 

 poses they had formerly served, when the house was rebuilt 

 shortly after; and they were accordingly used in that man- 

 ner- 



