94 



THE ALDER. 



peatedly observed in the Alder, and, from ex- 

 periments we have made, are fully convinced that 

 a plantation of Alders would soon render the 

 ground, (even should it be previously of tolerably 

 sound and dry quality) soft and spongy, and in 

 time convert it into a decided bog."^ 



The wood of the Alder is soft and light, and if 

 exposed alternately to wet and dry, will scarcely 

 last a year ; but if kept entirely submersed or 

 buried in damp earth, no wood is more durable. 

 Hence it is extensively used for foundations of 

 bridges, water-pipes, pumps, &c. 



By lying for a long time in peat bogs, it ac- 

 quires a black hue, but from its softness will not 

 take a good polish. The young branches are 

 much used for the purpose of filling in drains, 

 and are more durable than any other kind of 

 brushwood. Sir T. D. Lauder says that the 

 wood is very valuable, even when of a small size, 

 for cutting up into herring-band staves. Old 

 trees which are full of knots, may be made into 

 tables, and chairs which, if protected from insects 

 by French polish, are both beautiful and durable. 

 The charcoal is highly valued in the manufacture 

 of gunpowder, for which purpose it is in some 

 places largely planted. The colour of the wood 

 when first cut is white, it soon, however, becomes 

 of a bright red, which afterwards fades into pink, 

 which is its permanent hue. Few river-side wan- 

 derers have failed to notice the bright tints of the 

 chips and newly hacked trunks which have here 

 and there marked the recent labours of the woods- 

 man. The bark and young shoots are used for 

 tanning as well as for dyeing several tints ; com- 



* Selby. 



