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CHAP. XVIII.
The BIRCH*.
1.13eTULA, the BIRCH, or BIRC, (whence some derive the name cH *
of Berkshire) in British Beduen, is doubtlefs a proper indigene of Eng-land, though Pliny calls it a Gaulish tree. It is altogether produced ofroots or suckers, (tho’ it sheds a kind of samera about the spring) which
d Of this genus there are five species:
1. BETULA (alba) foliis ovatis acuminatis serratis. Lin. Sp. PI. 1393. Birch-tree withaval sawed leaves ending in points. The COMMON BIRCH-TREE.
The common Birch is a tree -well known, and there are few moist places in this kingdom whereit does not naturally grow. In summer its branches are cloathed with elegant small leaves,and in winter its trunk is covered with a whitish bark. These trees, therefore, may beplanted in parks, lawns, &c. to increafe the variety, as well as in woods, or coppices, to becut for profit. The lopping of -the Birch makes excellent fuel, as well as the best of brooms.The bark is of a very durable nature: the Swedes cover their houses with it, and it lastsmany years. The inner fine bark was, before the invention of paper, used for writing; andof the sap is made a wholesome wine'; salutary, it is said, for such as are afflicted with thestone and gravel.
2. BETULA (nana) foliis orbiculatis crenatis. ■ Lin. Sp. PI. 1394] Birch-tree with roundcremated leaves. Betula pumila foliis subrotundis. Amman. Dwarf birch.
This species is a native of Lapland , and is of signal use in the ceconomy of the inhabitantsof that arctic region: The branches furnish them with their chief fuel; and the seeds are thefood of the Ptarmigan (Tetrao Lagopus) or white Partridge. These birds are much esteemedand make a considerable part of the sustenance of the inhabitants. Great quantities arecaught in the winter season and sent to different provinces. Before Linnaeus made hisLapland expedition, this Birch had been considered only as a variety of the common treeof that name; but its distinct specific characters have since been established. This tree has,within these few years, been added to the Flora Britannica, having been found by Mr.Lightfoot in the highlands of Scotland . It is of humble stature, seldom exceeding threeor four feet. From this shrub is prepared a Moxa, which the Laplanders consider as anefficacious remedy in all painful diseases, when burnt upon the part.
3. BETULA (lenta) foliis cordatis oblongis acuminatis serratis. Lin. Sp. PI. 1394.Birch-tree with oblong , pointed , heart-shaped , sawed leaves. The Canada birch.
This grows to a timber tree of sixty or more feet in height. The leaves are heart-shaped,oblong, smooth, of a thin consistence, pointed and very sharply serrated. The varieties
of this species differ in colour, and go by the names of,—1, Dusky Canada Birch ; 2. White
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