70 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



Birch.— Btfula.) 



The Bctula alba, the only species of this genus cultivated 

 with us as a timber-tree, is a native of Britain, as well as 

 some varieties which have originated from it. It is found 

 growing naturally in almost every kind of soil, and at a con- 

 siderable altitude above the sea, as well as in the alluvial 

 soils by the sides of the lowland rivers. The most durable 

 timber of this tree is obtained from trees growing on the sides 

 of hills amongst rocks, where, although its growth is much less 

 rapid than in more congenial situations, its timber becomes 

 much more valuable, not only on account of its durability, 

 but also for its singular beauty, and, in such cases, it is 

 made into beautiful pieces of furniture. 



The fragrance of its foliage, and the elegance of its habit, 

 claim a place for it in all ornamental plantations, and when 

 planted out on the lawn, or in the park, its natural beauties 

 are pleasingly developed. Upon the steep sides of hills, anel 

 in deep ravines, few trees are more beautiful than the white 

 birch. The variety with drooping leaves (B. pendnla) has 

 long been held in high estimation, and, although anxiously 

 propagated in England, is never likely to be so abundant as 

 in the northern parts of Scotland, where, in many districts, 

 it abounds more plentiful than the original with upright 

 branches. 



It is propagated from seeds, which ripen in September, and 

 should be then gathered and dried as directed for alder, which 

 it very much resembles. In spring it should be sown in well- 

 prepared beds, finely dug and raked, in a soil rather humid. 

 Care must be taken not to cover the seeds too deep, as they 

 are liable to be injured, and often rot in the ground; and 

 therefore we find some nurserymen sow them on the surface 

 of finely-pulverized earth without any covering whatever. 

 Birch-seed is not unfrequently successfully sown in autumn, 

 that is, as soon as it is gathered from the tree, but unless in 

 very favorable situations the young plants are liable to acci- 

 dents during the winter. It is not easy to say how thick the 

 seeds should be sown, as it is difiicult to ascertain their quality ; 



