264 
TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES, [ch. xxxi. 
even 80 feet, but it is generally of small dimensions. 
The wood is of a reddish-grey colour, moderately hard, 
heavy, strong, and as durable as Oak. It is extensively 
employed in America in the framing, and generally in 
the construction of ships. Great curves and knee-pieces, 
however, can only be obtained from the spurs of the root 
and from the branches. 
The American Red Larch [Larix microcarpa ) is less 
abundant, and as a building wood is not much known. 
It is believed to be equal in strength and durability to 
the Larix Americana, with which, indeed, it occasionally 
passes without being detected. 
