30 
WAYSIDE AND WOODLAND TREES. 
soil, though this may be moist enough to please an Ash, the 
Alder becomes merely a big bush. 
The bark of the Alder is rough and black, and the wood soft. 
Whilst the tree is alive its wood is white, but when cut and 
exposed to the air it becomes red ; finally, on drying, it changes to 
a pinkish tint. As timber it has no great reputation, except for 
piles or other submerged purposes, when it is said to be ex- 
ceedingly durable. It has also enjoyed a great reputation for 
making the best charcoal for the gunpowder mills, and it is 
largely used by the turner, the wood-carver, and the cabinet- 
