Chap. U.] 
THE LAECH. 
357 
is intermingled with white granulations like pearls, and so 
similar in appearance to frankincense, that when mixed, it is 
impossible to distinguish them ; hence the adulterations we 
find practised in the Seplasia.^^ All this class of trees have a 
short bristly leaf, thick and hard, like that of the cypress. 
The branches of the pitch-tree are of moderate size, and ex- 
tend from almost the very root of the tree, adhering to the 
sides like so many arms : the same is the case with the fir,^^ 
the wood of which is held in great esteem for ship -building. 
This tree grows upon the summits of lofty mountains, as 
though, in fact, it had an antipathy to the sea, and it does not 
at all differ from the pitch-tree in appearance : the wood is 
also very highly esteemed for the construction of rafters, and 
many other appliances of life. A flow of resin, which in the 
pitch-tree constitutes its great merit, is looked upon as a 
defect in the fir,^^ though it will generally exude in some 
small quantity on exposure of the wood, to the action of the 
sun. On the other hand, the wood which in the fir-tree is 
remarkably fine, in the pitch- tree is only used for making 
shingles, vats, and a few other articles of joiners' work. 
CHAP. 19. THE LARCH : THE TOKCH-TEEE. 
The fifth kind of resinous tree has the same localities, and 
is very similar in appearance ; it is known as the larch. The 
wood of this tree is far more valuable, being unimpaired by 
time, and proof against all decay ; it is of a reddish colour, 
and of an acrid smell. Eesin flows from this wood in still 
greater quantities ; it is of the colour of honey, more viscous 
than the other varieties, and never turns hard. 
as incense for the rites of the Roman church : while sometimes it is pur- 
posely employed, as being cheaper. 
A great street in Capua, which consisted entirely of the shops of sellers 
of unguents and perfumes. 
1^ It has the same pyramidal form as the pitch-tree. It is still much 
used in ship-building, both for its resinous and durable qualities and the 
lightness of the wood. 
^"^ The presence of resin is not looked upon as any defect in the fir at the 
present day. It produces what is known in commerce as " Strasbourg tur- 
pentine." 
The Abies larix of Linnaeus, and the Larix Europsea, it is thought, 
of DecandoUes. 
It is the Venice turpentine of commerce. Each tree will furnish seven 
or eight pounds each year for half a century. 
