Page:Timber and Timber Trees, Native and Foreign.djvu/233

XXVII.], therefore, from the bright whitish colour may be taken as indicating a deterioration which will affect its strength and durability.

The United States Ash is much slower in growth than the English, and is probably not so durable.

THE BEECH TREE (Fagus sylvatica)

is found in abundance in the central and southern districts of this country. It is also extensively spread over the middle and south of Europe, and varieties of this species are to be met with in America and Australia. It is of erect and straight growth, attains the height of 60 to 70 feet, with a circumference of from 10 to 12 feet, and being of very hardy habits, is often planted in the most exposed positions, to lend beauty and picturesqueness to the surrounding scenery.

The wood is light brown in colour, hard, moderately heavy, close and even in texture, with a fine silky grain. It cleaves easily, works up well, and is remarkable for its minute pores, and for the distinctness with which the medullary rays can be traced.

Beech is employed for chair-making, and it is estimated that at least 12,000 to 15,000 loads are annually required from the English forests for this purpose. Engineers use it for piles and works under water, and it is in great request by turners, tool-makers, and others, who use it extensively in the domestic arts. It makes excellent wedges.

Formerly it was employed in ship-building, and found to answer admirably for the keel and garboard planking; it was also used for the ladders between decks, shot cants, and for many minor services. Upon the Continent, owing to the important property the Beech has of not absorbing water readily, it is much used for making