236 LARCH. 
is remarkable for having few knots. On account of its 
lightness it is peculiarly adapted for packing-cases and 
musical instruments. 
From incisions made into the trunk of the spruce fir- 
tree, a fine arid clear turpentine oozes, which, after be- 
ing boiled in water, and strained through a linen cloth, 
acquires a somewhat solid consistence, and reddish 
brown colour; and is called Burgundy pitch. This is 
employed as an ingredient in several kinds of ointments 
and plasters : and is principally manufactured in 
Saxony. 
The article called essence of spruce 9 which is used in 
making spruce beer, is prepared from the branches of 
this tree, and from those of a species nearly allied to it 
which grows in America. 
249. The LARCH (Pinus laryx), a native of the Alps, and the 
mountains of Germany, is a species of fir, which has Us leaves in 
tufts, and its cones oblong and of somewhat oval shape, the margins 
of the scales bent back, and jagged. 
The cultivation of larch-trees has of late been much 
recommended for adoption in this country, on account 
of the value of their timber, which for strength and 
durability, is equal to most kinds of deal. It is well 
calculated for masts, and the framework of vessels, 
being capable of sustaining much greater pressure even 
than oak. For wood- work -constantly immersed in 
water, it is peculiarly calculated, as, in such situations, it 
is asserted to become almost as hard as stone. In Pe- 
tersburgh larch timber is applied to no other use than 
that of ship-building. Line-of-battle ships are con- 
structed of it in Archangel, and these generally last 
about fifteen years ; though, in milder climates, it is 
imagined that they would last much longer. 
For gates, pales, and similar work, exposed to the 
vicissitudes of weather, they are admirably serviceable ; 
and for flooring and other internal purposes are at least 
equally durable. Buildings constructed of larch timber 
are said to have continued sound for 200 years ; and, in 
