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_ WOODLAND COMPANION; #7

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. ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES.

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THE
WOODLAND COMPANION; |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION

OF

BRITISH TREES.

_ WITH s SOME rrp tea OF THEIR USES.

/ BY THE
AUTH Wek A ig be se agai coh rine >
aa # Ef AF aa
ILLUSTRATED rn Weatny nicer PLATES. 4
of oie 2 ss bas
See tiated ate Or i
Welcome, ye shades! ye “bowery thickets, haii!
> Ye lofty pines! ye venerable oaks!
et oe rl Ye ashes wild, resounding o’er the steep!
cay | THOMSON,

. PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK AND JOY, PATER-
NOSTER-ROW, AND JOHN SHARPE, ia boa LIBRARY, —
LONDON MUSEUM, PICCADILLY. :

1815.

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Whittingham and Rowland, Printers, Goswell Street, London.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

Tue confined knowledge which young per-
sons, and even those of advanced age, are
usually found to possess of the noblest pro-

ducts of the vegetable creation, the trees

which compose our woods and decorate our
parks and pleasure-grounds, suggested to
the writer that a brief description of them,
in the form of a pocket-companion of the

rural walk, might be acceptable. But as

words alone would be inadequate to enable
any one not an adept in botanical science to
ascertain the several species, he has added
a set of plates copied from the excellent
figures subjeined by Dr. Hunter to his va-
luable edition of Evelyn’s Sylva. In these
the minute parts illustrative of the Linnean
System have been omitted, as it was his
purpose only to assist the common observer

‘in acquiring a visual knowledge of each

subject.

CONTENTS. a

. Plate. Page.
Oak. *Osteesecseceosove weg ti, : Ccereeecsccceccecsesecase 1 1
Beech, scteccteee cove bee eceeecscccccsees Seeve seesee pS 2 9

~ Chesnut too cees 2 OER IEE ICES eee

Ash... eecece tecveseeseer @segoseovegeae ce eseeeeenetstetes Seesoee 5 od.

as Sycamore.. seeee Peetoasoceres ic eeece S Sse Kee cies e®scecses 7 26
~ Lime.... BPeaveaeseescesaseseesd @Seeeseecseteeesaseovevteeseseoeve 8 30 ‘
fy horse Chest <2 cade sole ecse ote lacs vou: SO seat ee 34

Hornbeam..., @eeerssesse @Beeerccertseseree. Ss e8t sesseeun 2 10 37

fs Meek oo A ck eeereseesecsserses eeeneoce eo eeove sees se 11 59

Walnut... one veces mtensinanahnn ss Jteiapapiae Sa Pa tame 42
Wild Cherry . Awanaenies Breer Bales seis slain Ga ies tong 13 45
White Beam..............20c06 voted. Vana oe 14 | 47
Wild Service........... weiveNoritaad \- dwakelaiis Mies SL SE
FAR WUNGID oo oinge, costs .ndscsbacces dsctteneues eEEee wc
Quicken Tree ..... Us Taker Micaves seven tapes aimapst +s * Sb 51
White Poplar............. <aitnntalhs «seers => 4 ie pdawiee, AV. 55
Black Poplar........... eA bisiberscvese® Saiguas «as WG) one
ae or Aspen Tree...... eWes gah vans on oe chs ceve satan STs

iental Plane ..... a aii nid det tl ssars Chcnin hae'p Wan’ ao 59
Occidental, or i mat Plane... stacWbs tenes: cee. aL SD
oo ee eee BREN Co vkaicictRice a ne oa bats Bateau 19 | 62
PEMAER cries ali asnichly» dbo a dua on ect suwpuilie Mitcheds > sae 65
White a ee hoe eee oe 66
~Crack Willow......... mbidle owes shes ssn tiveseespbamhcuaua: OL 18) OO
Weeping Willow............sseeceeeseeees ceeaeetenen tae 70
Nas cae racnuke oe binns «seus wncodidabas wns joe 72
Orr te BBs PE ASEA uke CORE oe Sap fkore &4
COCCI TAT yi cadivetns ties svcecscbivccssecnags. -cacesasy Oe 76

Spruce Fir eceoesceacees eperseeceaece Seecseeeseeorteeever 2eee0n e 80

Sihver Firh. East eed. i eon cacsee! sclgbveddencst eo! se 2S 81
Weymouth Pine ...00.......ccc0 ‘ee vereveecseeseseess 20 82
DsATER 200. cce. sstianeantuscsspocvodegstensecsecorsersss 26 83°
yh ee ee ssnaserecaaeccecensescenenseneesescncns 27 85
Holly..... eovecseoese ecvceeeee toeceneees eceee ese ee ebe Reg erence 28 j 88

BR sais wsteid sa son cata tontey evseeceeestesteecesereee cee O1

ere See ee we ° eee

Ss

——s
—
—
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ad

PUAN a tre

j

ad

fe eae THE

yw

1 woo DLAND COMPANION
ne

ing mere ofcayes, fom five to ten in
samé Mer CS ee,

a an oval is ne e nes an acorn.
: Spe ifi character. I
| ae eg the eli Aye fas “dimes cs and rather

fF: - 5) ‘=
f 2 —* SS “
ei aoe i ve

ves as welll on account of its utility, a as of

» In this, and all the future instances, the fruetification
is descriptive of the genus, or family, of the tree treated
of, according to the Linnean system ; the specific charac-

subject of the article.
ie ze

~

as flowers in a loose catkin, each

le bs aibad on der Sopee ‘tree, each having —

! @ the ¢g grandeur and majesty of ie bgures It.

ter relates to the particular species or kind which is the ~

aves « “deciduous, oblong, broadest |

9 : THE OAK.

arrives at a bulk equal, if not superior, to that
of any other tree of the forest; and by the
vast arms which it throws out on every side, it
forms a mass which fills the eye of the specta-

tor, and impresses him with gigantic ideas.
Its rugged bark and jagged deep-green leaves
add to its character of rustic and masculine

strength.

The oak most delights in a rich strong soil,
in which it strikes its roots to a vast depth.
It loves hilly rather than boggy ground, and
thrives best in large plantations. It is in-
| jured by cropping ; whence may be estimated
the mischief annually done to this noble tree,
by the custom of cutting large branches for
the celebration of the 29th of May. It forms
the largest head, and spreads in the most
picturesque figure, when srowing singly, as in
parks and ornamental grounds; but it rises
with a tall and straight trunk only in woods and

close plantations.

THE OAK. 3

The uses of the oak tree are very various
and comprehend almost every part of it. The —
acorns (which, in common with the nuts of
other timber-trees, bear the name of mast) are
said to have been one of the earliest foods of
mankind ; and in some of the warm climates
they are still in use for that purpose. With
us they are valued as the food of swine, of
which, large droves are sent to fatten in the
oak woods in this kingdom, during some
weeks in autumn, when the ripe acorns begin
to fall. Squirrels and other small quadrupeds
also partake of the repast, and lay up acorns

for their winter store.

Every part-of the oak abounds in an astrin-
gent juice, which is applied to various. pur-
poses. The bark is particularly valuable on
this account, which renders it the chief ma-
terial for tanning leather. Oaks growing in
hedge-rows, which seldom arrive to the size

of timber-trees, owe great part of their value

4 | THE OAK.

to their bark. Before it is used, it is ground
to powder; and the infusion of it in water is
by the tanners termed ooze. The small twigs,
and even the leaves, of the oak may be
applied to a_similar purpose. Galls, which
are an excrescence formed in the warm coun-
tries upon the leaves of a species of oak, by
means of an insect, are some of the strongest
_ astringents known, and are much used in dye-
img, on account of their property of striking
a deep black, with the addition of vitriol of
iron. The oak-apples, (as they are improperly
called) formed im the same manner upon our
trees, possess a similar property, in a smaller
degree. Oak saw-dust is the principal ma-
terial used in dying fustians. It gives all
the varieties of drab colours and shades of
brown, accordmgly as it is a and com-

iti

- But it is by the use of its wood that the
oak has acquired its chief fame, and especially

b=

THE OAK. 5

for the important purpose of ship-building.
This has made it so peculiarly the favourite
_of England, to whose naval glory it is sup-
posed materially to have contributed. ‘Thus
Pope, in his Windsor Forest, speaking of vege-

table treasures, says,

Let India boast her plauts, nor envy we
The weeping amber ard the balmy tree,
While by our oaks the precious Joads are borne,
' And realms commanded which those trees adorn.

Oak-timber is fitted for this purpose, by
its strength and durability, and also by the
property of not readily splintermg, a circum-
stance of much consequence since the inven-
tion of cannon. Ships of war, therefore, if
not entirely built of oak (which from the pre-
sent scarcity. of that timber is seldom. done)
have always their sides planked with it. The
crooked pieces of this wood procured from the
bend of the branches are also used for the
knees, by which the planks are held out and

BQ

Te THE OAK.

supported. Oak-timber is likewise preferred |

r many other services of strength. In

‘house-building it is used for door and window-
| frames, and for wall-plates. When more plen-
tiful, floors and stair-cases were also made of
it. In machinery, no other wood is equal to
' it where a great stress is to be borne, as in
mill-work, steam-engines, and the like. It is
used for the bodies of carts and waggons,
also for gates, posts, and ladders. In the
country it is a common material for furniture, -
such as tables, bedsteads, and chests of drawers ;
its durability being thought a’ compensation
for the difficulty of working it. The coopers
‘employ it for their largest vessels, and for
well-buckets and water-pails.

The oak may be termed not less the poet’s
tree, than the artisan’s. Some of the first
poets, ancient and modern, have chosen it as
an object either of direct description, or of
simile; and that, not only in its flourishing

‘

THE OAK. 7

state, but in its decay. Thus Lwuean, in
some very fine lines, has made an aged
oak the comparison of Pompey the Great, at
the time of his contest for power with Cesar,
when, being little more than the shadow of
his former fame, he still excited awe by the
remains of declining grandeur. Our Spenser
has given an original picture of the same kind
in the fable of the Oak and the Briar, in his
Shepherd’s Calendar, which, as being of true
English growth, I shall copy.

There grew an aged tree on the green,

A goodly oak sometime had it been,

With arms full strong and largely display’d,
But of theirs leaves they were disarray’d :
The body big and mightily pight,
Thoroughly rooted, and of wondrous height;
Whylom had been the king of the field,
And mochel mast to the husband did yield,
And with his nuts larded many swine;

But now the grey moss marr’d his rine,

His bared boughs were beaten with storms,
His top was bald and wasted with worms,
His honour decay’d, his branches sere.

February.

!

eet,

S , THE OAK.

A more exact visible representation of the
same object cannot be given, than by the figure
of the old oak of Cowthorpe, Yorkshire, which
measures sixteen yards in circumference within
_ three feet of the ground, in Dr. Hunier’s edi-
- tion of Evelyn’s Sylva.

*.
oe bt a
> £5558

THE BEECH.
Facus SyLvaTica.—Pi, 2.

ee

Fruetification. Barren flowers ina kind of catkin, each
consisting of about twelve chives inacup. Fertile
flowers on the same tree, in a bud, changing into a
hairy capsule with four valves and two seeds.

Specijie character. Leaves oval, indistinctly serrated.
Bark smooth, white.

ee

Tux beech is one of the most stately timber
trees, and composes large woods in some parts
of this country. It particularly delights in
a chalky soil, where it will flourish and arrive
at a great size, though the land has all the ap-
pearance of barrenness. When standing singly,
or at large distances from other trees, it spreads
in a round form to a wide extent, and forms
a deep mass of shade; but when drawn up

in close plantations, it rises to a great height,

Beech

= ; t
€:

a. Male cathin : : ~S nt

b. Female Flower

¢. Capsule opering

d. The Nuts

10 “THE BEECH.

with singular elegance and airmess. Its leaves | _

are of a pleasant green, and many of them

remain on the trees during winter, after turn-

ing brown. No verdure, however, will thrive

Deneath its shade. The smoothness of its bark
has from ancient times tempted the rural lover
to carve the favourite name upon it; a custom
recorded in various passages of the poets;
and the opening of Virgil’s first Eclogue re-
presents the musing shepherd as reclining

under the shade of a spreading beech.

This is one of the glandiferous or mast-

bearing trees. Its nuts, when eaten raw, are

apt to occasion giddiness and head-ache, but,

when thoroughly dried and powdered, are said

to make wholesome bread.- They, are, how-

ever, chiefly the food of deer and swine, and
of squirrels, dormice, and other small quadru-

peds, which are numerous in the beechen woods.

An oil expressed from them is used in some
countries in place of butter.
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THE BEECH. ll

The wood of the beech is brittle, and apt
to decay; but, being easily wrought, it is
much used for various domestic purposes.

The poets, who celebrate the simplicity and

frugality of the early ages, speak much of .

the beechen cups and bowls, some of which
received an extraordinary value from the hand
of the carver. In our days, beech is a com-
mon material of the turner and cabinet-maker ;
the former using it for his larger ware; and
the latter, for common chairs and other arti-
cles of furniture. It is, mdeed, almost the
only English wood employed by the London
cabinet-makers. Its lightness causes it to be
chosen for the handles of tools; and it is split
into thin scales for band-boxes, sword-scab-
bards, and the like. It is a common wood
for fuel, and, in some counties, is regularly
grown in plantations for that purpose. The
dried leaves of the beech make a very good

stufing for mattresses.

ot th: De eh

a7
Ff a ce

RPE A
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a THE 8 CHESNUT.

i BRS i¢

a e ete CastansaPl. 5

Ys ¢ toes aa jm oe . fs
ae> . ee - : i os : ; cae pee 2
Fructi ificution. i As the beech. parc) eae Ak ¥%
: cific character. “Leaves spear-shaped, with sharp ser-
"Fatares ; naked underneath. é. 3 ate
4 ‘ , : , ar ie hire . rs ae
a s . .
‘{ . : : 2 of
o

Tus t tree is usually caller’ the Spanish Ches-
nut, as growing in the greatest perfection im
‘Spain and others of the warm countries in
Europe. Many, however, think it an original
native of this island; at least it arrives to the ©
full bulk Ore “timber tree in our woods and
aia 5 The appearance of an aged Chane
is striking and majestic. It throws out arms
equal in wee a those of the oak, and they ’
often shoot in an angular manner, and thwart

each other, so as to produce an uncommon

WYNN

Yy

| LULL

@,Male catkin.
b. Lemate Buds.

¢. Capside.o, TANG
d. Nuts. eo

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|

THE CHESNUT. 13

effect. The deep furrows of the rugged trunk
sometimes form a kind of net-work by. inter-
lacing. The branches are richly clothed with
long jagged leaves, of a pleasant green ; and
the head is massy and spreading. In autumn
the leaves fade to a gold yellow, affording a
_very conspicuous variety of tinge in the woods,
Few trees arrive at greater longevity. A. ches-
nut at Tortworth, m Gloucestershire, is proved
to have stood ever smce the year 1150, and
to have been then remarkable for its age and
size. The chesnut tree thrives in almost all
_ soils and situations, though it succeeds best
im rich loamy land. Nothing will sci be-
neath its shade.

Among the mast-bearing trees this may be
reckoned the most valuable, since its nuts, by
their sweet and farinaceous quality, are ren-
dered good food for man, as well as for other
animals. The chesnuts cultivated for their fruit
are usually grafted ones, called by the French

C

g

Hy es, THE CHESNUT.

marronier ; and in many parts of the south of
Europe they afford great part of the sustenance
of the poor, who make bread of their flour.
They are also eaten as a delicacy at the best —
tables, either roasted or stewed. In this
country the fruit of the chesnut is small, and
seldom comes to maturity ; it is therefore left

to the hogs and squirrels.

The wood of the chesnut is strong and
durable, and is used for most of the purposes in
which oak is employed. Some of the oldest
buildings in London are said to be timbered
with chesnut. The trunks, however, are often
found decayed at the heart when they appear”
sound externally; and the wood on working
is apt to turn out brittle, -and to separate in
roundish masses, which fault is termed being
cupshakey.’ It is preferable to any for making
tubs and vessels to hold liquor, as not being
liable to shrink after being once seasoned.

The principal use of chesnut wood among — |

>

»

THE CHESNUT. . 15

us is for hop-poles, of which it makes the
straightest, tallest, and most durable. Being
cut at an early age for this purpose, it is rare
to see large chesnut trees in our woods ; but
_ they are frequent ornaments of our parks and .
pleasure-grounds.

» . “ *
“ ‘ Py 3,
: ‘oun
5 -
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wv - oe:
* p ? * . “ ”

‘ ; “i> SiGe sf PORE

a a | . J =

wey: FOR " Se

oa Kise. oS es

" ‘ J Paar? 4 t : Tree

| aut Se - te
a . 7 ‘e i a res < ‘ a 1G Ry HA
Nite. 4 "tee iY Rei
Ly NM ne, -
a r 2 re ae 4. ny aie {
Ente 3 yf de —

am, es , ; ae” Sor

ructification. F owersi in clusters, ea ch aving about five” er

Ses % oe chives, spear an oval Do ds rity con et
“unequal at, +) We

ia

and mnie F
* * . .

elm 18, however, often. seen trained toa ie

rows out cipal

ded

| large extent with its shade.

planted singly or a “few together in village |

greens, where it affobds both a majestic ob-

ject and a pleasant summer shelter.

The

q

height w with a single sa trunk, _ Which mode ,

~
» 7
s ‘

tt “grows to a great

‘arms, so as to cover a:

oi

¥

Ne

, ‘
t

same time; if permite a

Hence it is often ;

sy
Cbyit 7

SAPS.

a.A Branch in Flower,
bA Seed .

SAarox
ae. 5

Son

— ee ee ee eas rw

THE ELM. 17

of rearing destroys its beauty, though it better
fits it fora particular use. In this state it is
very common in hedge-rows, especially in the
neighbourhood of London. Elms are not fre-
quent in woods or forests, but are generally
planted in avenues or in other artificial situa-
tions. ‘The diversity in the form and site of

~ elms is agreeably sketched by Cowper, the

poet, who, of all others, viewed natural ob-
jects with most taste and correctness. He
first mentions them as growing by the river’s
side. : |

——_—_—_—— There, fast rooted in his bank
Stand, never overlooked, our favourite elms
That screen the herdsman’s solitary hut.

7 Task, b. 1.
.Then they are seen encircling a cottage
upon a hill. ©
*Tis perch’d upon the green-hill top, but close

Environ’d with a ring of branching elms
That overhang the thatch. “> ns bid.

1S | THE ELM.

Next, they form a walk or avenue.

rs The grove receives us next;
_ Between the upright shafts of whose tall elms |
We may discern the thresher at his task. Ibid.

+

He also notices its hue, as of a deeper green
than the ash.

The elm best loves an open situation and ©
a ‘black clayey soil. It bears transplantation
well. It does not injure the grass beneath
it; and its leaves are agreeable to cattle, and
in some countries constitute a considerable
part of their food. The ancients made great
use of elms properly trimmed as props or
supports for their vines; and the poets fre-—
quently allude to the marriage of these dissi-
milar plants, and the aid derived to the weak
and fruitful vine by twining round the strong

stem of her husband elm.

The wood of the elm is hard. and tough, ,

and useful for a variety of purposes. It is

THE ELM. 19

particularly serviceable for occasions which
require its being kept constantly wet; as in
the keels and planking beneath the water-line
of ships, mill-wheels and water-works, and
especially for water-pipes, the great demand
for which is the cause of its frequency about —
London, and of the practice of training it
without branches to a tall straight trunk, which
may admit of boring in long pieces. It is like-
wise used for axle-trees, naves, gate-posts and

rails, floors, dressers, blocks, &c. and it is very |
fit for the carved and ornamental works be-

longing to architecture.

There are several varieties of the elm, dif-
fering | in the roughness and smoothness of
their leaves, and manner of growth. A dwarf
kind is employed for making tall hedges or

screens in gardens, or nursery grounds.

A distinct species of elm, growing mostly
in the North of England and Scotland, is

4

20 THE ELM,

that called the Wych hazel (Ulmus montana)
from the resemblance of its leaves to those of
the hazel. It is smaller and more branchy
than the common elm; its boughs are more
depending, and its leaves and seeds much

bigger.

a. Bunch of tlowers.
b. Awinged seed.
c. Seed naked.

ne

- Frustification. Flowers with chives and pointals upon
4 some ae with pointals. ae upon eee. Two

P's
~

Sa

¥ opm of shade. t in W

bat: willieloe ahrive .wielluih b Sie d soils’

open ground. It runs its roots a_ ‘gr eat way

near the surface ; which mualey, oe with
S 3

*

agg le mai am
pane a ver 2 F C N. =

a. Bunch of tlowers.
b. Awinged seed.
c. Seed naked.

99, THE ASH.

the destructive property of its drippings, ren-
ders it injurious to herbage, and still more to
corn. When growing near water it some-
times hangs down its boughs like the weeping
willow. No tree is so often met with in ruins
and upon ancient walls, probably on account
of the readiness with which its winged seeds
are borne by the wind. It insinuates its roots
far into the crevices of these old buildings,
and thereby becomes an instrument of the
destruction of what affords it support. In like
manner it fastens upon loose slaty rocks, and
decorates them with its verdure. It is one of
the latest trees in coming into leaf, and loses
its leaves early in autumn. The bunches of
long skinny seeds, called keys, on the fertile
trees, have a singular appearance. It is ob-
served that while some ash-trees bear great
quantities of keys yearly, others seem never to
bear ‘any. The former, however, are naked
of leaves and unsightly; whereas the latter

abound in foliage, and are pleasing objects.

THE ASH. 95

The bark is smooth and light-coloured; the
leaves dark green. A well grown ash is a
handsome and elegant object, though all may
not agree with the Roman poet in giving it the
prize of beauty above all the natives of the
forest. ‘There are few which excel it in
utility; for its wood, next to that of the oak,
is employed for the greatest variety of pur-
poses. Thus our Spenser, mentioning the par-
ticular uses of a number of trees, characterises
the ash as.

‘

for nothing ill.

”

- It may be peculiarly termed the husbandman’s
tree ; for it is one of the principal materials in
- making ploughs, harrows, waggons, carts, and
various other implements for rustic use: hence
“a proportional number of ash-trees should be
planted in every farm. ‘The toughness of its
wood renderedsit a favourite with the heroes
of old for the shafts of their potent spears;

whence it is poetically termed “ the martila

QA . Pees ee

ash.” With us it is much employed in poles
_ for various purposes, and also in spokes of
wheels, tool-handles, and the like. | Dairy
utensils are mostly made of ash. Its loppings _
_make good fuel, and it has the quality of —
burning when fresh as well as dry, and also
with little smoke. Its ashes afford good pot-
ash. The bark of the ash has an astringent
quality, and is used in tanning calf-skin. Its
leaves are eaten by cattle. ‘

of

THE MAPLE.
Acer Campestre.—Pi. 6.

es

Fructification. Flowers, fertile and barren upon the same
tree: the chives in both, eight in number. In the
fertile, the seed-bud changes into two capsules united
at the base, and terminating above im large mem-
branous wings, with a single seed in each.

Specific character. eaves lobed, blunt, notched. —

aE ee

Tue maple is a tree of no great figure, and
with us chiefly grows in thickets and hedges
as an underwood. It may, however, be trained
- to a considerable height. Its wood is soft
and fine grained, and is excellent for the
turner’s use, who can bring it to an almost |
transparent thinness. It excels beech for the
purpose of making cups, dishes, and the like;
and is often mentioned by the poets as the

oe

reeild

c. Seed nakal. .

a. Bunch of Towe
6 Tivo winged i

\\
a>
—
x
BN
~
N
Ye KEN
EEE = 2 SS es S

a
SS

—— *

(F
3)
‘
”
rt
1

80 - THE MAPLE.

material of these utensils in rustic and sim-
ple life. The beautiful variegation of its”
knots, however, has given it value in orna-
mental works ; and the ancient Romans, for —
their luxury of curiously-veined tables, prized
the maple next to their famous citron-wood.
Musical instruments are also frequently made ©
of maple. “This tree grows very full of
branches, which, from the opportunity they
give of the lodgment of the rain-water, is
probably the cause of that disposition to in- }

ternal decay of which Spenser accuses it :

—— the maple, seldom inward sound.

Cowper describes it as

—— glossy-leaved, and shining in the sun.

Its bark is furrowed and spungy, like cork.

— 4
}

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/

: j

/

——

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6b. Iwe winged SCC

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THE SYCAMORE.

ACER Psrvpo-Pratanus.—Pi. 7.

Fructification. _ As the Maple.
Specific character. Leaves. with five lobes, unequally
serrated. Flowers in bunches. st

ee AS ote od

Tus species grows to a larger size, and is
more sightly than the common maple. The -
name Sycamore, (Wild Fig), is an improper
one, and that of Greater or Broad-leaved
) Maple is more suitable.. The Latin appel-
lation Pseudo-Platanus (False Plane) well
expresses its appearance. — It is of quick
erowth, and flourishes best in open places and
sandy ground. It is not uncommonly planted
in streets, and before houses, on account of

its shade. It has also the property of being

PLVIL

. Lay ‘

eae

hal

4 ns o ~
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i at : ; Fe a
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4 co te
4
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aut .
i:
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:
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‘

8S THE SYCAMORE.

less injured by the neighbourhood of the sea,
and the dashing of the salt spray, than almost
any other tree; and hence is often set in rope-
walks in maritime towns. It comes early into
flower, and usuaily bears a vast profusion of |
pendent light-green bunches or catkins, which
make a handsome show. The flowers smell
strong of honey, and afford much pasture to
bees. The foliage of the sycamore soon loses
its spring verdure, and changes its hue. Cow-

per calls it

_

—— capricious in attire,
Now green, now tawny, and, ere autumn yet
Have changed the woods, in scarlet honours bright.

Its wood is soft and very white, and hence
proper for the use of the turner, who makes from
it bowls, trenchers, and other utensils. From

its lightness, it is also occasionally used for

cart and plough timber.

_ If the sycamore is tapped in the spring, it
affords a sweetish watery liquor which may be

~

THE SYCAMORE. | 29

used to save malt in brewing, and will yield a
sugar upon inspissation. Most of the spe-
cies of the maple, indeed, afford sweet juice ;

but none so remarkably as the sugar-maple,

_which is a very commen native tree in North

_ America, and from which large quantities of

coarse sugar are made by the settlers im the

inland parts.

\

THE LIME.

Tusa Evrorpma.—Pl. 8.

Fructification. Flowers with five petals and many
chives ; the seed-bud turning to a dry berry, or cap-
sule, having five cells with a single seed in each. —
Generally, only one seed comes to perfection, push-
ing aside the rest. *

Specific character. Flowers wea a nectary, whitish.
Leaves heart-shaped, serrated. A floral leaf to

each bunch of blossoms.
=\
aS

Tus lime or linden is one of the beauties

among trees, and is cultivated rather on that
‘account than for its utility. It grows straight
and taper, with a smooth erect trunk, and a
“fine spreading head inclined to a conical form.
Its leaf is large, and its bark smooth. Ina
good soil it arrives at a ereat height and

= Fri
—
SSS

a.A bunch oF Flowers.
6. The capsule of Nuts.

THE LIME. 31

size, and becomes a stately object. But it is
seldom viewed single, and its chief glory arises
from society. No tree is so much employed
for avenues, and for bordering streets and
roads. Some of the straight walks of ancient
limes, which modern taste has hitherto spared,
are beautiful specimens of the pomted arch
made by the intersection of branches, which
has been supposed to be imitated in the
Gothic architecture of cathedrals. In view-
ing one of these noble works of nature disci-
plined by art, who will not exclaim with
Cowper, |

Ye fallen avenues! once more I mourn

Your fate unmerited, once more rejoice

That yet a remnant of your race survives. <

How airy and how light the graceful arch,

Yet awful as the consecrated roof

Re-echoing pious anthems! while beneath

The chequered earth seems restless as a flood
Brushed by the wind. Task, b. 1.

The lime comes early into leaf, and its yer-

$2 THE LIME. ~

dure is one of the first harbingers of spring
beheld in great towns, where it often decorates
the squares and public walks. Its flowers are
highly fragrant, and are very attractive to the
bees, which gather much honey from them.
An snfasion of them is said to make a plea-
sant tea. The sap of the tree contains sugar.
Lime wood is soft and light, and therefore
only fit for uses requiring little strength. It is
used by shoe-makers and leather-cutters to cut
leather upon, as not being liable to turn the
edge of their knives. The closeness of its
grain, joined with softness, and the property
of not being readily attacked by the worm,
has caused it to be chosen by carvers for the
tah ornamental work with which churches
and palaces were formerly decorated. Mr.
_ Evelyn mentions it as the material employed
by the celebrated artist Gibbon for his beau-
tiful festoons and other sculptures. It makes

good charcoal for designers. Its inner bark,

THE LIME. 35
€

soaked in water, yields a fibrous matter fit
for ropes and fishing-nets. ‘The Russia mats,
_ and the bark shoes of the peasants, are made
of this material.

TH E HORSE CHESN UT.

Escunvs Hiprocasr, ANUM —P. Q.

" a a
Fructi ification. Flowers in a long spike, each having five
petals, seven chives, ‘and one pointal: seed-bud
changing into a spinous capsule of three cells, with

‘two seeds in each, some of which are abortive.

Specific character. Leaves blunt, spear-shaped, serrated,
growing by sevens on one stalk, the middle one
largest. “ ” _

Tuis tree, which 1s originally a native of the
East, has not very long been naturalized in
England. Its introduction here has been
solely owing to its beauty, im which; at the
flowering season, it certainly excels. every
other tree of its bulk that bears our climate.
To early spring it puts forth large buds, which
burst into verdure among the first greens that

enliven the year; and its ample palmated

£ rey “
yh A\\" 4
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“OU . td fa x \ /
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Wh ESN

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ES
:

a. A bunch o

aMale catkin.
b. Hemale D?

c Seeds in ther place.
dAsingle Seed.

eee

THE HORSE CHESNUT. 35

leaves have an appearance both uncommon
and handsome. Not long after, it puts forth
its long upright spikes of white and variegated
flowers, generally in such number as to cover
the whole tree, and give it the resemblance of
one gigantic bouquet. No flowering shrub is
rendered more gay by its blossoms than this
tall tree ; hence it combines beauty with gran-
deur, in a degree superior to any other veget-
able of these climates. ‘The head is also
shapely and regular in its growth, and well
adapted to the symmetry required in walks
and avenues. It has the defect of changing
and losing its leaves early in autumn, the
natural consequence of its early spring verdure.
It is also accused of not well resisting tem-
pestuous winds. The wood of the horse ches-
nut is of little value; it is, however, of some
~use to the turner. Its fruit or nuts are of a
farinaceous quality, but so bitter as to be
unfit for human food. Deer are said to be

fond of them, and sheep will eat them; and

>. ; ‘ 7
(ee THE HORSE CHESNUT..

when. boiled, they have been used to fatten
poultry. When left to decay, they turn into
a kind of jelly, which has been employed
like soap im washing linen. ‘The bark has

considerable astrmgency, and may be used for

tanning leather.

:
eS es

=

THE HORNBEAM. *

Carrinus Berutvs.—PI. 10.

Fructification. Barren and fertile flowers in catkins upoa
the sametree. The barren, with from eight to six-
teen chives in each: the fertile, with two seed buds
each, changing into nuts.

Specific Character. Leaves oval, pointed, sharply serrated.
Bark smooth, white.

{3

<i?

THE hornbeam is not commonly found as a

timber-tree, though it may be reared for this
purpose, and will row to a great height,
with a fine straight trunk. It thrives well
upon a cold stiff clay, on the sides of 3 hills,
bears lopping and transplanting, and is capa-
ble of resisting the wind. It is, however,
principally cultivated as a shrub and under-
wood, and is excellent for forming tall hedges
or screens in nursery grounds or ornamental

E

a.a.Male ertkins.
6 Female flower.

ce

38 THE HORNBEAM.

gardens. It is of quick growth, and has a
glossy verdure which is very pleasing to the
eye. -It keeps its leaves Jong, and even all
the winter when sheltered. The wood-of the
hornbeam is very white, tough, and strong.
- It is used for yokes, handles for tools, and
cogs for mill-wheels, “and is much valued
by the turner. The wood is very inflamma-
ble, and will barn like a candle, for which
purpose it was anciently employed. The
mner bark is much used in the North of

Europe for dyeing yellow.

ey,

ii em
K. dip Hy

AND

_ Coryius Avertana.—PI. 11.

2) Se 6 9 Ve oe
he ote Barren flowers in a lo — catki, each
flower of eight chives. Fertile flowe: rs a the
* tree in buds, distant, each flower wit wo st
seed-bud changing to a nut we |
Specific Character. Leaves oval, serrated, “wrinkled;
iB By or os he oval, blunt, cS

a

cae ea ee EEE I LES ENA

3 Zz —a siete
Bob the 2 qzel does not arrive at the bulk
of a tir . it is on several accounts worth
_ ‘notice - among ‘the natives ss of the forest. Its

win 1en they burst, and
disclose the bright cri 1 of their shafts. The

=

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Ay a
Uf, iit )

40 THE HAZEL.

of this island, forming hedges or coppices, and
thickening the approaches of woods. If suf-
fered to attain their full growth, they shoot
into poles of twenty feet in length; but they
are usually cut down sooner, in order to form
| walking-sticks, fishing-rods, stakes, hurdles, and
the like, or for burning into charcoal. ‘Hazel-
charcoal is preferred to any other by painters
and engravers, for the freedom with which it

draws, and the readiness with which its marks

can be rubbed out. The nuts of the hazel are

a generally agreeable fruit. ‘They abound ina
mild oil, which may be extracted by expression,

and is used by painters for mixing with their

colours. Nuts, however, are difficult of diges-

tion, and, when eaten in large quantities, often
prove hurtful. They ‘ripen soon after har-
vest ; and Thomson gives an animated picture
of the amusement of gathering them, usually
termed nuiting,

Ye swains, now hasten to the hazel-bank,
Where, down yon dale, the wildly-winding brook

f

2
*

,

THE HAZEL. ~ 41

Falls hoarse from steep to steep. In close array,
Fit for the thickets and the tangling shrub,

Ye virgins, come. For you their latest song
The woodlands raise ; the clustering nuts for you
The lover finds amid the secret shade ;

And, where they burnish on the topmost bough,
With active vigour crushes down the tree,

Or shakes them ripe from the resigning husk.
Autumn.

: They are a favourite food of squirrels, which
lay them up in their winter hoards, and always
take care to pick out the best. It is a com.
mon observation, that a plentiful year for nuts

is the same for wheat.

The filbert is a variety of the common nut,
distinguished by a longer fruit, and a thinner
skin. It is cultivated in plantations in the
Kentish orchards, and yields a valuable pro-

duct.

THE WALNUT.

ee
JucLans Reera.— Pi. 12.

Fructification. Barren flowers in an obiong catkin, each
flower having many chives. Fertile flowers upon
the same tree, growing by twos or threes, each

succeeded by a large round fleshy capsule containing
one nut. | |

Specifie character. Leaves small, oval, smooth, equal, set
iM pairs with an odd one at the end.

Tue walnut, though not a native of our woods,
is in many parts planted so freely, and. so
well perfects its fruit and timber, that it may
be considered as fairly naturalized among us.
It loves a rich loamy soil, but will grow well
on stony ground, if the staple be chalk:
hence it is found to thrive on the chalky
downs of Surrey, where large plantations of
it have been made. ‘The tree arrives at a

respectable size, and makes a good figure

y

Y

NY fd
S bj

V¥Sss

Ras

SS

\\ SS

\\ .

\\\S

a ——* .
— \
— ee Z

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NOW \
\ XN
‘ SN \Y \
W

Wit, Club Che yy:

THE WALNUT. AS
, .

either set in rows or growing singly, though it
has the defect of getting its leaves very late,
and shedding them early. —

As a timber-tree the walnut was formerly
in greater request than at present, when its
place is mostly supplied by foreign woods.
It has been much used by cabinet-makers
for bedsteads, chairs, tables, and bureaus, for
which purposes it is one of the most durable
woods of English growth; also for wainscots,
and stocks for guns. ‘The wood near the root
is often beautifully veined, and fit for inlaying
and ornamental works.’ The black Virginia
walnut, however, excels our own for these
uses. It is for the sake of the fruit that the
walnut is chiefly cultivated among us. This
is one of the most grateful of the nut kind,
and forms a welcome addition to deserts at
all tables as long as it continues fresh and
moist. It contains much oil, which, like that

of the common nut, may be separated by ex-

44 . THE WALNUT.

pression, and ‘is used ) by painters and var-

nishers, and, im some countries, also for food,

imstead of butter. The unripe walnuts, with

their green fleshy coat upon them, are com-
monly used as a pickle. A syrup made with
hem is a vulgar medicine against worms;
and decoctions of the husks and leaves, which
are strongly bitter and aromatic » are some-
times poured upon walks and grass plots in
Grace to kill the earth-worms and grubs.

Those singular vagrants, called gipsies, stain
their skins of a tawny hue with ag juice of

green walnut husks.

Like

SSS
—
—— SL
< —S
—_

THE WILD CHERRY.

’Prounus Cerasus.— Pil. 13.

~

Fructification. Flowers with five petals, from twenty
to thirty chives, and one pointal: the seed-bud
changing to a pulpy fruit, contaming one nut or
stone. |

Specific character. Umbels of flowers on short foot-stalks:
leaves oval-pointed, serrated, smooth, often doubled
together.

SSE

Tuoucn the wild black cherry is not a

common tree in our woods, yet it may claim

- the rank of a native, since it is met with in

several counties, of a large size, and propa-
gates itself. Young plants of it are often
found within the hollow trunks of old willows,
into which the stones have been dropped by
rds, Its appearance in spring, when covered
with white blossoms, is very beautiful: hence

it makes a pleasing ornament in parks and

4

Vo cde Wh, Ly, Cr.

lg
¢

ee ae

ee THE WILD CHERRY. te ;

pleasure-grounds, and forms an i ecable va-
riety among other tall trees, few of which make
any show with their flowers. It thrives well
10 light poor land, and particularly loves a
sandy soil and elevated situation. The fruit,

though small, is pleasant to the taste, and gives |

a fine flavour to spirits. The wood i is hard

and tough: it . much valued for hoops of
casks; and is albo used by the turner and ca-

binet-maker, and i is ‘stained so on ‘to resemble |

The gum which exudes from it Xe equal in its.

Mer)
7

P
4
ma

properties to gum-arabic. =——s—s«

Rie
oa. cane

aaa

\
‘Ss

rs

y

THE WHITE-BEAM.

CRATEG us AriA.— Pi, 14.

Fructifie tion. Biowets with five petals, about twenty
ch ives, ‘and two pointals, succeeded ‘by a round

berry containing two or four seeds. —
Specete character, Leaves oval, ‘unequally or doubly
“serrated, woolly. on the under-side. ce

* > ome
Tuis tree has a general whiteness or meali-
ness in its appearance, which has given it
its name. ‘It grows to a moderate size, and
loves dry and open situations. It is found
on the chalky hills of Kent, Surrey, and Sus-
sex, and also in the mountainous parts of
Derbyshire, where it shoots from the fissures
of the naked rocks. ‘The fruit is eatable when
mellowed by the frosts. ‘The wood is tough,
hard, and smooth, and is fit for axles, wheels,

walking-sticks, and tvol-handles.

‘“

ee ——T

. Bary aire.

_ D? cut transversly.
D? aut vertically.

4
ce
d

d

)
\ YY, am Sop ae

rons ar oie
a ert A :

patio the . Wiple-leaved - %
various parts ie England,

Tus species, al
Service, grows in
chiefly upon string soils. In Hertfordshire
large trees of it are met with. Its fruit ripens
late in autumn, and is then brown; and if

kept till soft, acquires an agreeable acid taste,

and is eaten ; though from tk tin trivial
name of torminalis, (griping), it 1 ay be con-.
“cluded that it is not very favourable to the
bowels. Few of the native fruits of this rr
mate can boast of a much superior quality.

Y,
Yj)

Vey,
Yj

Uh

/

Sige ear

eng 6 or AL pee ria AT

et

THE HAWTHORN.
CratTzeus QOxyYACANTHA.
. (Monocyna of W ithering).

Or this well known species, called alse the
White-thorn, it is unnecessary to say more by
way of description, than thatit 1 is distinguished
from the rest by its trifid leaves, and by its
flowers having but a single pointal. Its fruit,
the haw, is i that of the two former kinds,

but smaller. _

Although the hawthorn is rather a shrub
than a tree, it well deserves notice among
our foresters. From the closeness of its*
growth, and its furniture of sharp thorns, it
is universally preferred for making live fences
or quick hedges ; and the peculiar richness of
the extensive prospects in England is much
owing to the frequency of the enclosures made

F 3

50 | THE HAWTHORN.

ot

by this plant, which affords a delightful ver-
dure. Its flowers, likewise, by the name of
May, decorate that month particularly with a
profusion of beauty united with fragrance. Its
scarlet berries greatly contribute to enliven
the winter. The hawthorn, planted singly,
acquires a respectable size, and i is a fine object
in the flowering season. Its _wood is tough -

and strong, and is fit for anlectrees and tool-

handles. : a

al; about ¢ twe aty
eer by 2 a round

ae

-
oe
.

Mountain Ash; an in the reread England
> i 2 tree. It is properly

"permitted to grow at pleasure, it arrives at a

considerable size. It is: chiefly valued as an

ornamental addition to plantations, on account

al berry cut transverely.
6b. Deentire.

=.

> ; i .
bat g oS at ,* z - ie A by
2 eS oe YG ; eee ‘.
i > »

52 | THE QUICKEN TREE. aR |

of the elegant lightness of its 2 and the —
beauty of its red berries, which remain on the
tree during the whole winter. It will thrive —

in any good soil, but delights most in a hilly
situation, The wood 4 is tough and solid, and
is valued by the wheel-wright and tool-maker. 4
When bows were in use, it was regarded as :
next in value to the yew for making those
weapons. ‘The berries will make a fermented —
liquor, and are sometimes added to malt in -
brewing. When dried and powdered, they
afford a kind of wholesome bread. Thrushes

are exceedingly fond of them ; and in hard

_ winters resort in. numbers to the quicken trees,
from which they can scarcely be driven away.
When the superstitious belief in witchcraft
prevailed, the wood of this tree was supposed | =
to be a preservative against its effects.

==

st

a.Male catkin.

_

D?

Female

b

: discharging

oO

-

e

THE WHITE POPLAR, on
ABELE.

Poputus Atza.— Pi. 17.

Fructification. Male and female flowers upon separate
trees. The male in an oblong catkin, each flower
without petals, and consisting of eight chives. The
female, in a catkin, without petals, having a seed-
bud changing into an oval capsule, which contains
several small feathered seeds.

Specific character. Leaves rounded at the base, tapering
to a point, angularly indented, blackish green above,
covered with a thick cottony down beneath.

=e

Tuts tree, which grows in woods and hedge-
rows, and especially in low moist situations,
is very Conspicuous from the whiteness of its
foliage.

The poplar, that with silver lines his leaf.
Task.

FQ

a. Male catkin.
4. Female De?
e-Deidischarging its Seed”

en AA,
‘ White, bir j

vt:
nad ,

Ss </)' ‘ ‘ - 7
, . “Ke p 7 / : ; & oe, ; ~ , oe .
‘

j

m ~

54) © THE WHITE POPLAR.

It is a quick grower, and bears cropping —
well, but its shade is unfavourable to pastur- —
age. The wood is soft and .white, and is used
for floors, laths, and packing-boxes.

_THE BLACK POPLAR.

Portus NIGRA.

Fructification. As the former.
Specific character. Leaves trowel-shaped, etait

pee
Tue name of black seems given to this spe-
cies of poplar only in distinction from the
white; for its leaves are a pleasant green, and
the tree has nothing dark in its appearance.
The leaves are smaller than those of the. pre-
ceding, and more angular. ‘The tree arrives
at a greater size, and is, indeed, one of the
tallest and most stately to be seen, when ar-
rived at full growth. It loves a rich soil in a
- moist situation, as the banks of rivers and the
borders of meadows. The roots run to no

great depth in the earth, whence the trees com-

56 _ ‘THE BLACK POPLAR. :

monly lean, and are often blown down in high
winds. It is a frequent tree in Lancashire
and Cheshire, where the long rows of poplars
almost conceal from view the low-seated
towns and villages. From its great size,
boards are sawn from it very fit for flooring,
which have the useful property of smothering
rather than flaming, when a lighted coal falls
upon them. The wood likewise is not apt to
splinter. The bark is light like cork, and
serves to buoy up fishermien’s nets. Red
‘substances like cherries are sometimes found
on the leaves, which, are occasioned by: the

puncture of an insect.

THE ASP, or ASPEN-TREE.

Poputvus TREMULA.

—_

=a
Fructificatian, As the preceding.

‘Specific character, Roundish leaves, angularly indented,
‘and smooth on both sides.

‘ a REO
THis species is remarkable for the constant
tremulous motion of the leaves with the lightest
breeze, which is owing to the length and
slenderness of their foot-stalks. The leaves
are smaller than those of the last species.
The tree is large, and grows freely in all
situations. It is injurious to grass; and its
roots spread so near the ground, throwing out
numerous shoots, that they suffer nothing else
to grow near it. The wood is extremely light,
white and soft. Beavers are particularly fond

of its bark and young shoots.

6S it, THE Ase, OR ASPEN TREE.

Several foreign kinds of poplar rived well
with us, and are introduced into plantations.
The Po or Lombardy Poplar has lately be-
come a great favourite from its quick growth,
and the ease with which ‘it is reared in all
‘situations. It is particularly planted in streets
‘and roads for the purpose of a screen; and on
the borders of “nursery-grounds, to shelter
other plants. It grows in a very regular ta-
pering form, its numerous branches spiring
upwards into a cone. It makes a handsome
figure in full foliage, but has too much of a
broom-like appearance in the winter.

v M Shin x p=

AR

- <3 v

ain.

a. Male catkan.
b Female D°

ate ORIENTAL PLANE.

a -
PLaTANUS Ontentazis.—Pl. 18.
! Saeed
“re og se is

oft veal ae ee tsa
Pa, ob
Fructification. Male flowers very minute, in globular
catkins. Female flowers on the same tree, in similar
catkins, changing into” balls of seeds, two or three

- often ease © uren ey one stalk, and hanging downwards.

Specific character. “Leaves spesmated.

2 ies te oe
r Tag i 4 a

Sn te —. _

THE OCCIDENTAL or VIR: ~
GINIA PLANE.

‘PLaTANus OccIDENTALIS. . re
; és 5
Fructification. As the former.

Specific character. Leaves lobed. .

THE plane trees, as might be inferred from
their trivial names, are foreigners, and still
rather the cultivated growth of our parks and
gardens, than the spontaneous product of our
woods. They are. chiefly valued for their
beauty, and the luxuriance of their shade.
The oriental kind, originally a native of the
warm climates of Asia, was in singular es-
timation with the ancients, as affording in.
the highest perfection that verdant canopy
which is so grateful to those who enjoy the
open air in the heats of summer. It was
consecrated as well to the refreshment of the

~

THE OCCIDENTAL OR VIRGINIA PLANE. 6]

philosopher in his academic groves, as to
the pleasure of the bacchanalian, who held
his revels under its shade, and with appro-
priate gratitude fed its roots with wine. In
thosé countries it grows to be one of the
tallest and most spreading of trees. With
us it seldom arrives at a capital size, though
the smoothness of its trunk, and fullness of
its large leaves, render it a striking and con-
spicuous object. ‘The occidental plane is a
native of North America, and is the most
common here of the two. Both species de-
light in a moist situation, and are quick
growers. ‘They greatly resemble each other,
the difference being chiefly in the leaf, which
in the oriental is palmated or fingered like
the hand, in the occidental is divided into
lobes. They have the property of annually
throwing off their bark in scales. 3

‘THE BIRCH.
Betuta Atsa.—Pi., 19.

¥

fructification. Barren flowers in a scaly catkin, each
containing four chives, Fertile flowers, on the same
tree, in a acaly catkin, each succeeded by a single
seed.

Specific Character. Leaves oval, ‘tapering to a point, ser-
rated. Bark white. as

*

Tus is a tree of rather humble growth, but t
valuable for clothing soils which are deserted
by almost all other trees. Such are the bogs
and mosses, frequent in some parts of this
kingdom, and still more in some countries
of the North, as Sweden, Norway, and Lap-
land. ‘The watery parts ‘of forests, which
scarcely produce any grass, are often covered
with a thick growth of these trees; and they :

will likewise ascend the mountains, and min-

i ice ———Fea
\ Ml! Jae ee
, \ ; f =a
: " f
lf

SEZ
== —— rr

a. Male catkin
4. Female D°

I

-

OLS A

a. Male catkin
b. Female De

ar ae lin age
te = P .

a

THE BIRCH. 63

gle with fir and mountain-ash. A tourist in
Wales speaks with much admiration of the
light, airy, pendent birch, which occupies the
highest parts of the hills, and shelters the
cottages that dimly appear through its foliage.
Its white bark contrasts with the black surface
of the peat-mosses, and enlivens scenes other-
wise the most gloomy and desolate in nature.
The leaves are small and elegant; the boughs
finely divided into slender twigs. They are
subject to a kind of disease, occasioning the
branches to throw out a vast number of
_ suckers, in one part, which intermix so as to

-form a close resemblance of a rook’s nest.

The wood of the birch is of little value,
and, except for fuel, is scarcely used but for
hoops and women’s shoe-heels. In the times
of archery it was preferred for arrows. , “The
birch for shafts,” says Spenser. On account
of its lightness, it is much employed for

scaffoldings about London. Its small branches

»

64 - THE BIRCH.

or twigs aré commonly used forbesoms. The

bark is a very valuable substance to the northern -

people, who make various utensils of it, and

cover their houses with it. Italso makes good —

‘torches; for it abounds in a resinous quality,

which likewise gives it firmness and durability.

The sap of the birch is an agreeably-
flavoured, sweetish liquor, well known as the
basis of one of our domestic wines. It is,
however, necessary to add sugar or honey in
order to bring it to ferment properly. ‘This
juice is extracted by boring holes in the tree

-almost to the centre of the trunk, in the spring, |

as soon as the sap begins to flow. ‘The-leaves

of the birch possess an agreeable fragrance.

ee:

ae
2. _,

+4 yy

A\\\
A

AY \ \\ \S
AK YK
\\ A
ANN

\
\\

\Y
QQ
. \ WAY \\

\
\\

THE ALDER. |

.° Beruna Aun vs.— Phi 20.

‘wa

: Weaatifcdiion. As the birch, ‘except that the ‘fale cat.
kin is rounder, like a fir-cone. °

Specific character. Fruit-stalks branched. Leaves as
circular, serrated, Sh wee

= *.

Tuis tree is also a lovér of moisture, and flou-
rishes in boggy situations, and by the side of
rivers. It may be reared to a large tree; in which
state it must have been, in order to have
afforded the first material for boats or canoes
by its hollowed trunk, as mentioned by Virgil
in his Georgics; and when arrived at full size,
bears a very close resemblance to the oak
“in its general appearance. With us it is more
commonly planted for coppice-wood, to be
cut down every ninth or tenth year for poles.
G 2

a. Male eatkin,
+. Female D°

66 THE ALDER. |

The wood is chiefly valuable for its property
of remaining long sound under water ; whence
it is used for water-pipes, and for piles to
be driven into the ground in order to support
buildings in boggy situations. It is also em-_
ployed for shoe-heels, clogs, and turner’s work.
Every part of the alder has an astringent
quality. Its bark gives a brown dye, and is
used by fishermen to stain their nets, and by |
the calico-printers. With the addition of cop-
peras it strikes a black.

THE WHITE WILLOW.

Satix ALBA,

Fructification. Barren flowers in a tiled catkin, each
having from two to five chives. Fertile flowers upon
separate trees, in a catkin, each succeeded by a cap-
sule of one cell, containing several feathered seeds.

Specific character. Leaves spear-shaped, sharp-pointed,
serrated, downy on both sides, the lowermost ser-
ratures glandular. ;

— a

Tue numerous willow tribe are for the most
part aquatics. ‘They differ much as to size ;
but are in general distinguished by the length
of their leaves, and slenderness and flexibility
of their branches. The white willow is one
of those which arrive at the largest bulk. It
is common in moist woods and hedges, and on
the side of brooks and rivers, the course of —

which it often marks by its grey foliage, dis-

“.

68 THE WHITE WILLOW.

| tinguishable at a distance by the eye of the

traveller. The wood of this tree is very white,
and takes a fine polish; whence it is in request.
for milk-pails and other utensils which require
peculiar cleanliness. The bark of this and of
some other species of willow is astrmgent, and
will tan leather. 1t has been used medicinally
as a substitute for the Peruvian bark im the
cure of agues; a property happily suited to
the situations in which these trees principally —
delight. |

THE CRACK WILLOW.
Sauix Fracitis—Pi. 21.

Fructification. As the former.

Specific character. Leaves oval-lanceolate, eT
with toothed, glandular foot-stalks.

Ce

Tuis species also’ grows to a pretty tall tree.
Its name is derived from the brittleness of its
small branches, which, if struck with the fin-
ger, break off at the yéar’s shoot. It grows
quickly, and will thrive in most soils. — Its
leaves are of a shining green on both sides, and
of great length; which give it an elegant ap-

pearance.

a Male cathin ; AN ‘ |
b. Female De ; Ni

Gpok Wil.
i Z | ‘

THE WEEPING WILLOW.

SALIx BABYLONICA.

€
Fructification. As the former.

Specific character. Leaves narrow, spear-shaped, smooth,
serrated ; branches pendulous.

ona eos,

THIs species is well known to the lovers of
picturesque beauty, from that disposition to
hang down in long slender branches, which
makes it an admirable accompaniment to a
still retired piece of water, with the melancholy
character of which it is perfectly in unison. In
misty weather, drops of water are seen distilling
from the extremities of its branches; which
circumstance has given it a name, and wonder-

fully aids its effect. The weeping willow grows

THE WEEPING WILLOW. ik

to a large size, and attains a considerable age.
One has lately been cut down, planted in his
own garden, by the hand of Pope, and said

to have been one of the first of its species
introduced into the kingdom.

THE SALLOW.

SALIX CAPREA.

Fructification. As the former.

Specific character, Leaves oval, wrinkled, downy beneath,
waved, indented towards the upper end.

——eE ee

Tuis species also grows to a considerable
size. It delights in dryer soils than most of
the willow tribe, and will thrive on the tops
of hills. Its branches are brittle, smooth, and
of a dark green. ‘Lhe catkins are very large
and white, and much resorted to by bees early
in the spring. The flowering branches are
gathered by children under the name of
palms; and carried about on Palm Sunday.

The wood of the sallow is used for fuel, and

THE SALLOW. 73

makes excellent charcoal for gunpowder and
drawing-pencils. It is also employed by
turners; and of the smaller boughs hurdles
are made. The bark is used by some northern
people in tanning. |

or a

Mang THE OZIER. Pur ®

The ozier iy a moist situation, ntl is.
commonly planted by the sides of rivers
and ponds. It covers many of the river- *
islands of the Thames, and renders very :
profitable, spots ‘which would otoriiive be
left waste. It has the further value of
strengthening the banks of streams, and pre-

“#F ns
+a 7 iy

BM Sa,
Phew i Xe
Fy ! : a
.

A Sa |

bi tee BB A
Bi td, Ne
Hye! 5
i , .

“Nt Wiig s

‘

<4, fih st

(ale cake.

he Gem or “inter lodge.
ec future fone.

Cone opened shewing th

ees
ke

ale catkin.

ie Gem or Winter lodue.

le (ule (one.

:

Cone opened shewing the Sveds.

a
Cit - Lay

Yo

THE OZIER. 75

venting them from being washed away by the
force of the current. It is of very rapid growth,
and when properly managed. will afford an
annual crop of twigs for the basket-maker.
There are several kinds of ozier; and some
other sorts of willow are trained and cropt for
similar purposes, according to the size of twigs
required for different works.

There are many other species of willow
besides those above enumerated, which, how-_
ever, in properties all approach them more
or less. Some dwarf kinds are met with as.
far north as almost any vegetables will eTow,
and dwindle in bulk till they become the very

lowest of trees or shrubs.

THE SCOTH FIR, or PINE.
Pinvus Syivestris.— Pl. 99,

SEE a

_Fructification. Barren flowers in bunches, each with many
chives united at the tips. Fertile flowers on the same
tree in a cone, composed of scales, with two flowers
in each; the seed-bud mee by a nut having a

- winged membrane.

Specific character. Leaves growing in pairs out of one
sheath ; in their first growth solitary and smooth.

=e

‘Tue pine tribe form a large and important
family in trees, distinguished by their stiff,
narrow, pointed leaves, generally evergreen,
and of a darkihue, and scaly cones. Some
of them affect mountainous situations ; others,
bogs and swamps; and they often compose
woods of vast extent, clothing barren and
desolate regions unfit for human culture.

The species of pine now under conside-
ration is called with us the Scotch fir, because”

it grows naturally in some parts of the High-

THE SCOTCH FIR. 77

lands of Scotland, perpetuating itself by the
seedlings which come up from the fallen cones.
It is, however, by no means peculiar to that
country, but grows abundantly in the moun-
tainous parts of Norway, Sweden, and Russia,
covering the sides of the highest hills, often
out of the reach of man. It will thrive. in
any temperate climate, and delights most in
‘poor sandy soils. When growing in a thick
wood or grove, it is drawn up with a straight
naked trunk; but in an open sunny exposure
it spreads out with wide branches. As only
the terminating buds send forth shoots, it will
not bear the least clipping. Vast plantations
of this tree have been made within the last
forty or fifty years in various parts of the
island, which will at least answer the purpose
of improving the landscape in naked and sterile
tracts, though it is suspected that the timber
will never be so valuable as that in the na-
tural forests. No wood is at present used
among us in a quantity approaching that of

the fir; which, under the name of deal, is the
H 2

78 THE SCOTCH FIR.

principal timber employed about buildings, for
flooring, planks, beams, rafters, and the like;
also for the upper-deck works of men of war,
and for various domestic purposes. It has the
advantage of being cheap, light, and easily
worked; but it splits readily, and is ex-
tremely inflammable. Deals are red, yellow,
er white, according to their growth, or the -
different species of fir whence they are pro-
cured. Almost the whole of owr consump-
tion comes from Norway, or the countries
bordermg the Baltic; the firs of our own
growth being fit for little more than posts
and rails. Those in the native forests of |
Scotland, indeed, are to be excepted, but these

afford a small supply.

Besides the value of their timber, the firs
of various species yield the important products _
of turpentine, tar, and pitch. They abound
im a resinous juice, which, exuding from the
tree in its natural state, is turpentine. ‘The

same, when forced out by a close-smothered

THE SCOTCH FIR. _ 79

fire, is tar; and this, thickened by boiling, be-
-comes pitch. Rosin is the residuum. of tur-
pentine from which the essential oil has been
distilled. From all these uses, the fir may be
called the sazlor’s tree with as much propriety
as the oak. Indeed, the earliest vessels built
for navigation were constructed with this ma-
terial, and in the ancient poets the pine is
constantly employed as a metaphorical term
for a ship. Even at present, the cheapness
of fir timber in the north of Europe and
America causes many vessels to be built of it
alone, which have the advantage of swimming

light, though they soon decay.

The white inner rind of the Scotch fir is
ground to powder and mixed with rye meal in
order to make bread in seasons of scarcity, by

the poor inhabitants of Sweden and N orway.

Many other species of pine are now become
common i our plantations. Of these we shall

mention a few of the principal.

80

THE SPRUCE FIR.

Pinus Apies.—P/, 23.

Fructification. As the former.

Specific character. Leaves solitary, awl-shaped, pointed,
smooth, turned two ways.

——
| ihe
Tuis is a fine and aie tree, growing plenti-
fully in the mountain-woods of Norway, and .
valuable for its timber, which i is said to afford
the white deal. From the e green stops of
this species is made the spruce-beer, so much
esteemed in America as a remedy for scor-

butic disorders.

?
Pd
¥
ss
ye *
‘ ar aA >
-

bf

Ay ty

Za

~

Ga

NN
Ww

AM A

ANN

An
In
m

Op, ‘f i
\Wi
a |

Wa.

Y})

) Wo

\\

SX

=

i tice Air

LLNATIE

~~

a

’ ih

81 oo

THE SILVER FIR.
Pinus Picea. —Pl. 24.

> ~

Fructification, wt: the Sater: |
Specific character. Solitary notched leaves: cones point-
erie i an Bae aes Baap

—

Pi
a hom Pie = SB
= -

Tuis s species grows toa a steaieit tall tree, and
is one of the most sightly of the kind. It re-
ceives its name from the hue of its leaves,
which are of a full green in their upper sur-
face, but, in the under, have two white lines
running parallel to the mid-rib on each side,
which give it a silvery appearance as viewed
from below. The leaves in their form and
manner of growth resemble those of the yew,
whence it has been named the yew-leaved fir.
The Latin appellation, picea, is borrowed
from its being that whence tar or pitch is
chiefly extracted. It is a native of Norway,
and is said to yield the yellow deal. The
cones grow to a great size, and soon shed

their seeds.

= 82

THE WEYMOUTH PINE.
Pinus Strosus.—Pi. 25.

Fructification. As the former.
Specific character. Leaves, five growing out of each
sheath.

THIS species, a native of North America,
where it is called the white pine, grows to the
greatest height of any of the tribe, often arriv-
ing to that of one hundred feet. It is there-
fore preferred to the rest for masts of ships ;
and our largest men of war are furnished with
them from trunks of this pine collected in
the yards of Nova Scotia, They were first
cultivated im England by Lord Weymeuth,
whence they are generally known here by his —
name ; and they are now common in our plan-
.

This tree has a smooth delicate eam and

tations.

its branches are well clothed with leaves. Its

long cones hang loosely down, and soon shed
a

tA q
i ae
. he :
See,
~*~

their seeds.

a) We YY

\

“0

; Dp

AX ih WW), y ; 7:
ANN) es

\ >) | Wi fj
\iY Y
WY g J
~~ \ = a
=< |
——

a. Male catkin
6. Immature cone
c. Female Hower

83

THE LARCH.

: Pinus Larix.— Pi. 26.

“ Fructification. As the former.

Specific Character. Leaves long, narrow, in bundles
spreading like a brush, deciduous.

-—-—————— —

Tuis tree, a native of the Alps and Apen-
nines, has become a favourite with us, and is
now extremely common in our nurseries and
plantations, and for some years past has sprung ~
up self-sown in the Highlands of Scotland.
In beauty of appearance, and durability of
wood, it much surpasses the Scotch fir, and
will thrive in soils and situations equally un-
promising. Its leaves fall in the winter, but
not till they are almost ready to be imme-
diately succeeded by fresh ones. Some larches

make a beautiful show in flowering-time with

“ie

Sees

a Male catkin

4 Immature cone

oe. Female Nower

84 Pee? me r i :
the bright purple tips of their female buds.
Their branches have a tendency to hang down- .
wards ; and the trees, when they have room —
to spread, feather quite to the sround, forming
an elegant cone of verdure. The wood is
considered as almost unperishable in the coun- _
tries where it is employed for timber. The

larch is very resinous, and yields the turpen-

tine commonly called Venice. The young

shoots are peculiarly grateful to the stag, and
to the squirrel; the latter of which animals eae
is a very mischievous inhabitant of larch plan-
tations, from its practice of gnawing off the

leading shoot of the young trees.

a. Beary cut vertically.
é. Seed.

+
f i

where, — of plow £2 and ticiddbte

height, ‘it een arrives at great thickness _

of trunk, It is however, more commonly seen

in a planted state, particularly j in church-yards,
probably on account of its being an evergreen,
and furnishing boughs for the decoration of _
churches at the season of ‘Christmas. ‘This

I

s
f

—?

a Berry cut vertically.
b. Seed.

ie pa. ’

86 THE YEw.

situation, and the gloomy darkness of its foli-
_age, have caused it to be named “ the funereal
yew.” Itis, however, more celebrated for the
ancient use of its wood in making the most
formidable weapon of our ancestors, the long
_ bow. Its toughness and elasticity rendered it
_ peculiarly fit for this perpage : Thus ‘Spenser
characterises it as |
The eugh obedient to the bibders will.

Much force was, however, required in over-
coming its resistance, and the archer must have

had a strong arm

who drew,
And almost joined, the horns of the tough yew.

It was commonly planted near houses, both
on account of its utility, and its fitness for
being cut ito those artificial shapes which
were formerly thought highly curious and orna-
mental. Pyramids, obelisks, birds and beasts
of yew decorated the court-yards of our

_country-houses, and supplied matter of admi-

THE YEW.. 87

ration to the gazing passenger. A better use
of its obedience to the shears was made in
the tall and impenetrable yew hedges, which
sheltered and protected the ancient gardens.

The yew, however, has always lain under the
, imputation of possessing noxious qualities. It
is thought prejudicial to bees, and horses and
cows have been killed by eating quantities of
its clippings. There are even imstances of a
small dose of the fresh leaves proving fatal to
children to whom it was given as a remedy
for the worms. The sweet and viscid berries
are eaten without inconvenience. ‘The wood
is at present valued by cabinet-makers and in-
layers, on account of its beautiful red veins ;
and is also a good material for axles, cogs for
mill-wheels, flood-gates for fish-ponds, and
other works of strength and durability.

‘tie Aguiroxus.—

> h.

Fruit, Flowers ge ; e re :

of twenty or thirty fi but we
see it in gardens in ie state shrub. It
4 Ah Be ae “a a i * . :
is an everg ‘5 conmninihe its o» leaves and.
ae ‘ ee: i |

the winter fbf 1 its
; % Le ghste te AUS. “S
own defence with tho s projecting from the ~

ae

indentations of the leaves, it has been ‘selected |

by man for the protection of his cultivated
plants, ; and ai into hedges impenetrable

/

ZN ipa bie

Zs
Z

\

i

say”

Lu

. Berry.

. D? cut transve
Seeds.

PLILVUL

SS

SS

ee

THE HOLLY. | 89

to all the foes of the inl Were it not
for its slow growth, no native of this climate
would be preferred to the holly for this pur-
pose. Mr. Evelyn speaks with rapture upon
this subject. “Ts there,” says he, “ under
heaven a more glorious and refreshing object
of the kind, than an impregnable hedge of
about four hundred feet in length, nme feet
high, and five in diameter, which I can show
in my now ruined gardens at Say’s Court, at
any time of the year, glittermg with its armed
and varnished leaves ; the taller standards at
orderly distances, blushing with their natural
coral? It mocks the rudest assaults of the
weather, beasts, or hedge-breakers, Ké illum

~ nemo impune lacessit.”

By the skill of the gardener numerous varie-
ties are derived from the common or wild
holly, distinguished by the variegations of their
leaves, and disposition of their prickles. Some

of these are very curious and beautiful, and

90. THE HOLLY.

afford rich ornaments to a shrubbery. The
wood of the full-grown holly is valuable. It
is the whitest of all our hard woods, and
therefore used by imlayers, and is sometimes
stamed black to imitate ebony. It is also ex-
cellent for the uses of the turner, carver, and
mill-wright, being extremely firm and durable.
Birdlime is made of the green bark of the
holly, first boiled, and then laid in a damp
place to ferment, by which it is converted to

a perfect mucilage or slime.

THE BOX.
Buxus SEMPERVIRENS.

= Eee

Fructification. Barren flowers with two petals and four

chives. Fertile flowers in the same bud, with three -

petals and three shafts, succeeded by a roundish cap-
sule with three bills and three cells, having two
seeds.

Specific character. Leaves oval, thick, glossy. Blossoms
greenish white. —

—EEe ee

Tue box is another evergreen tree or shrub,
which is met with, though sparingly, in a wild
state with us, but more commonly as planted in
our gardens. Its rareness (probably owing te
a foreign origin) may be inferred by its having
given a name to those spots where it is prin-

cipally found; as Box-hill, in Surrey; Box-

ley, in Kent; and Boxwell, in the Cotswould |

in Gloucestershire. In all these places the

_ box grows in woods or thickets; it is also”

iz a :

ra iad ia eS

O2 . THE BOX.

seems best to suit it. In old gardens it was
‘much cultivated for the purpose of being +
clipped into those artificial forms which were _
once so much admired ; and also for hedges.

A dwarf kind is still one of the commonest _ :
_ borderings of flower beds, and pleases the eye

by its perpetual verdure. ‘The wood of the
box is of a pale yellow colour; and being
very hard, smooth, and solid, is much valued

for various purposes. The principal of these

are the making of combs, mathematical rulers,
and: other instruments, flutes, shuttles, and
turnery wares. It bearsa high price, and may

be cut about every thirty years.

%. tee

FINIS. 5 ‘ at

Ai AL NS ee eee ee ae a s patra
Whittingham and Rowland, Printers, Goswell Street, London,

=
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wey
ea

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han Ly | i De [Wim mr ’