96 



BRITISH FOREST TREES. 



Larch knees are possessed of such strength and 

 durability, and are of such adaptation by their 

 figure and toughness , that were a siifficient quan- 

 tity in the market, and their qualities generally 

 known, we believe that none else would be used for 

 vessels of any description of timber — even for our 

 war -navy of oak. In America, where it is difficult 

 to procure good oak knees in their close forest, it is 

 customary to use them of spruce roots even for their 

 finest vessels. The knees of vessels have a number 

 of strong bolts, generally of iron, passing through 

 them to secure the beam-ends to the sides of the 

 ship. Larch knees are the more suited for this, as 

 they do not split in the driving of the bolts, and 

 contain a resinous gum which prevents the oxidation 

 of the iron. 



As the larch, unlike the oak, affords few or na 

 crooks natm*ally, excepting knees, the artificial for- 

 mation of larch crooks is of the utmost consequence 

 to the interest of the holders of larch plantations 

 now growing. In order to obtain a good market 

 for their straight timber, it is absolutely necessary 

 to have a supply of crooks ready as soon as possible 

 to work the straight up. This would increase the 

 demand, and thence enhance the price of the straight 

 more than any one not belonging to the craft could 



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