OF FOREST-TREES. 



321 



in taking hold, growing only black without ; and the timber of it is so cH. XXI L 



exceedingly transparent, that in the dark night when cabins, made of the 

 thin boards, have lighted candles in them, people who are at a distance 

 without doors, would imagine the whole room to be on fire. The Larix 

 bears polishing excellently well, and the turners abroad much desire it. 

 Vitruvius says, it is so ponderous that it will sink in water. It makes 

 everlasting spouts, pent-houses, and featheridge, which need neither 

 pitch nor painting to preserve them ; also excellent pales, posts, rails ^ 

 pediments, and props for vines. To these add the palettes on which our 

 painters blend their colours. Before the use of canvas and bed-tick, it 

 formed the tables on which the great Raphael, and the famous artists of 

 the last age, eternized their skill. 



y I am in possession of the rail of a gate made of Larch, which withstood the weather, 

 without the least decay, for upwards of twenty years, during which period the Oak posts 

 were twice renewed. 



Volume L 3 B 



