S90 PROPERTIES AND USES OF TIMBER. 



kept entirely under water, or when used for purposes 

 in which it is continually dry, it lasts well. It does 

 not bear a great strain crosswise. Like elm, it is 

 much used for ship-keels, as well as in turning; and 

 is in great request in machinery. It is well adapted 

 for piles under water, and all similar purposes. 



SPANISH CHESNUT. 



The Spanish Chesnut should have been placed 

 next the oak, which it strongly resembles in its pro- 

 perties, and, in fact, would of all trees come nearest 

 it in importance, were it not that it is very sparing- 

 ly cultivated in this country. Of its durability the 

 most undoubted proofs can be given, as many of the 

 oldest mansions in England have been built of it. 

 The roof of Westminster Abbey, which is now up- 

 wards of 700 years old, is composed of Spanish ches- 

 nut, and betrays no vestige of decay. Possessing 

 all the strength, durability, and toughness of the 

 oak, the chesnut has this advantage over it, that it 

 is of a finer colour. 



