In the linden-tree the male[2364] and the female are totally different. In the male the wood is hard and knotty, of a redder hue, and with a stronger smell; the bark, too, is thicker, and, when taken off, has no flexibility. The male bears neither seed nor blossom as the female does, the trunk of which is thicker, and the wood white and of excellent quality. It is a singular[2365] thing, but no animal will touch the fruit of this tree, although the juice of the leaves and the bark is sweet. Between the bark and the wood there are a number of thin coats, formed by the union of numerous fine membranes; of these they make those bands[2366] which are known to us as “tiliæ.” The finer membranes are called “philyræ,” and are rendered famous by the honourable mention that the ancients have made of them as ribbons for wreaths[2367] and garlands. The wood of this tree is proof against the attacks of worms:[2368] it is of moderate height[2369] only, but of very considerable utility.
CHAP. 26. (15.)—TEN VARIETIES OF THE MAPLE.
The maple, which is pretty nearly of the same[2370] size as the lime, is inferior to the citrus[2371] only for the beauty of its wood when employed for cabinet work, and the exquisite finish it admits of. There are numerous varieties[2372] of this tree; the light maple, remarkable for the extreme whiteness of its wood, is known as the “Gallic”[2373] maple in Italy beyond the Padus, being a native of the countries beyond the Alps. Another kind is covered with wavy spots running in all directions. In consequence of its superior beauty it has received its name,[2374] from its strong resemblance to the marks which are seen in the tail of the peacock; the finest kinds are those which grow in Istria and Rhætia. An inferior sort of maple is known as “crassivenium.”[2375]
The Greeks distinguish the varieties according to their respective localities. The maple of the plains,[2376] they say, is white, and not wavy; they give it the name of “glinon.” On the other hand, the mountain maple,[2377] they say, is of a more variegated appearance, and harder, the wood of the male tree being more particularly so, and the best adapted for specimens of elegant workmanship. A third kind, again, according to the Greeks, is the zygia,[2378] with a red wood, which is easily split, and a pale, rough bark. Other authors, however, prefer to make of this last a peculiar species, and give it in Latin the name of “carpinus.”
CHAP. 27. (16.)—BRUSCUM: MOLLUSCUM; THE STAPHYLODENDRON.
But the most beautiful feature of all in the maple is what is known as bruscum, and, even more particularly so, the molluscum. These are both of them tuberosities of this tree, the bruscum presenting veins more violently contorted, while those of the molluscum are disposed in a more simple and uniform manner: indeed, if this last were of sufficiently large size to admit of tables being made of it, there is no doubt that it would be preferred to the wood of the citrus even. At the present day, however, we find it but little used except for the leaves of tablets, or as a veneer for couches.[2379] Tuberosities are also found on the alder,[2380] but as much inferior to those already mentioned, as the alder itself is to the maple. In the maple the male tree[2381] is the first to blossom. The trees that frequent dry spots are preferred to those that grow in watery localities, which is the case also with the ash.
There is found in the countries beyond the Alps a tree, the wood of which is very similar to that of the white maple, and which is known as the staphylodendron.[2382] This tree bears a pod[2383] in which there is found a kernel, which has the flavour of the hazel-nut.
CHAP. 28.—THREE VARIETIES OF THE BOX-TREE.
One of the most highly esteemed of all the woods is the box,[2384] but it is seldom veined, and then only the wood of the root. In other respects, it is a wood, so to say, of quiet and unpretending appearance, but highly esteemed for a certain degree of hardness and its pallid hue: the tree, too, is very extensively employed in ornamental gardening.[2385] There are three[2386] varieties of it: the Gallic[2387] box, which is trained to shoot upwards in a pyramidal form, and attains a very considerable height; the oleaster,[2388] which is condemned as being utterly worthless, and emits a disagreeable odour; and a third, known as the “Italian” box,[2389] a wild variety, in my opinion, which has been improved by cultivation. This last spreads more than the others, and forms a thick hedge: it is an evergreen, and is easily clipped.
The box-tree abounds on the Pyrenean[2390] range, the mountains of Cytorus, and the country about Berecynthus.[2391] The trunk grows to the largest size in the island of Corsica,[2392] and its blossom is by no means despicable; it is this that causes the honey there to be bitter.[2393] The seed of the box is held in aversion by all animals. That which grows upon Mount Olympus in Macedonia is not more slender than the other kinds, but the tree is of a more stunted growth. It loves spots exposed to the cold winds and the sun: in fire, too, it manifests all the hardness of iron; it gives out no flame, and is of no use whatever for the manufacture of charcoal.[2394]