THE planter's GUIDE. 



335 



M forest trees. In point of utility, it ranks deservedly 

 high, being in great request with the turners, the carpenters, 

 and the mill-wrights. In many parts of Scotland, it bears 

 a price superior to that of the Elm or Ash. The wood, 

 like that of the sugar Maple, is said to give out in burning 

 a greater proportion of heat than most other trees ; the 

 charcoal made of it is preferable for the forge to any other, 

 kind, and is said to possess a specific gravity one-fifth 

 greater than any known charcoal.'" 



The Sycamore grows to a great size in this our northern 

 climate, and is eminent as a lawn tree for the amplitude 

 of its leaf and its spreading top. Even Gilpin, fastidious 

 as he is, allows it a considerable share of picturesque 

 merit. It is particularly valuable in extensive park 

 plantations, as it will grow freely in any ground which 

 has a light and porous subsoil. f There is, perhaps, no 

 tree so well adapted to open exposures, or that will so 

 firmly resist the blast. It never shows, as most trees do 

 in such situations, what is called a weatherside, but 

 balances itself equally in spite of every wind that blows. 

 The value of the Sycamore, as a nurse in young planta- 

 tions, has never been sufficiently appreciated. In such 

 especially as are exposed to the sea-breeze, it ranks higher 

 than the Scotch Fir or the Larch ; for in that atmosphere, 

 while every other plant seems to droop around it, it stands 

 erect and vigorous, bidding defiance to the tempest. 



This beautiful tree is among the first in our climn,te 

 that cheers the spring with its vivid green ; and it is to 

 be lamented that it should be the first to fade, on the 

 slightest breath of autumnal frost. What renders it so 

 peculiarly valuable to the transplanter, is both its hardi- 

 ness in bearing the process of removal, and its facility in 



* Mem. Caledon. Hort. Soc, vol. ii. p. 383. f Note II. 



