388 PROPERTIES AND USES OF TIMBER. 



size, the better is its timber. Its quality is much 

 deteriorated when it grows in poor and exposed si- 

 tuations ; in which case it loses much of its elasti- 

 city, and becomes short and brittle. The ash has 

 very appositely received the name of the Husband- 

 man's Tree, and its timber is the best qualified of 

 any for ploughs, harrows, cart-axles, and agricultu- 

 ral implements of every description. In coach-ma- 

 king, it is used for shafts to carriages ; and its elas- 

 ticity adapts it particularly for all long handles, 

 poles, oars, ladders, &c. In the state of suckers 

 and young shoots it makes excellent hoops for small 

 casks. Good ash is always in demand. 



ELM. 



The Elm is remarkably strong and tough in its 

 texture, and is well adapted for most purposes in 

 which these properties are pre-eminently required. 

 It is often used as a substitute for ash in making 

 agricultural implements, in which capacity it is 

 found to answer very well. It makes very strong 

 furniture, such as tables, chairs, presses, bedsteads, 

 &c. ; and may sometimes be found of so fine a grain, 

 that, with the aid of varnishes, it looks wonderfully 



