Mr. Mansfield. There are no such things as deal trees, Charles. It is the wood of the fir, which, when cut up into timber, is called deal. By and by, I will point out to you a plantation of firs, of which there are several different species. They are all ever-greens; that is, they do not lose their leaves in winter. The Scotch fir is the most hardy, and thrives well on the bleak mountains of the north. It may likewise be reckoned the most useful; for it supplies us with the best deal for making masts of ships, floors, wainscots, tables, boxes, and other things. The trunk and branches afford excellent pitch and tar. The roots, when divided into small splinters, are sometimes burnt by poor people instead of candles. The outer bark is used, as well as that of the oak, in tanning leather; and I have heard that there is a place in Scotland where they make ropes of the inner bark; and that in some of the northern countries of Europe, in times of scarcity, they grind it, and mix it with their flour when they make bread.
Arthur. I see another large tree, grandpapa, but it does not look like the oak.
Mr. Mansfield. ’Tis a beech, a very useful tree to the cabinet-maker. Its branches, you observe, slope gently downwards, instead of growing straight out, and it is more full of leaf than the oak. That tree on the left is an ash. Its foliage is very light. The wood is much used for making implements of husbandry, particularly hop-poles.
“And there is a fine stately tree!” observed Charles; “is it another beech?”
Mr. Mansfield. No, Charles, that is an elm; a timber tree of great value. You may often see them in hedgerows, and they are frequently planted in rows to make avenues in parks. The inner part of the wood is almost as solid and heavy as iron; and is therefore much used in mill-work, and to make axle-trees, keels of boats, chairs, and coffins.
“Pray, pray,” interrupted Arthur, “look at that tree a little way off, how the leaves flutter with the wind! They are in constant motion; but yet it is very calm, and all the other trees are still.”
“That tree,” replied Mr. Mansfield, “is called an aspen, or trembling poplar. It is the nature of it to be in that constant agitation, whether the wind is high or not.”
“What is done with the aspen?” inquired Charles.
Mr. Mansfield. The stem is bored for water-pipes, and is made into milk-pails, clogs, and pattens.