or a thicker kind.
Pine trunks are used for the masts of ships. "In the north of Russia and
in Lapland the outer bark is used, like that of the birch, for covering
huts, for lining them inside, and as a substitute for cork for floating
the nets of fishermen; and the inner bark is woven into mats like those
made from the lime-tree. Ropes are also made from the bark, which are
said to be very strong and elastic, and are generally used by the
fishermen."

In the north of Europe great quantities of tar are procured from the
Scotch pine. Torches are made from the roots and trunk.

Varieties of the pine are grown in "little woods" for hop-poles.

_Pinus sylvestris_ (the "Scotch Pine"), though a native of Scotland, has
only been planted and cultivated in Great Britain for about a century.

On the subject of "thinning and pruning" in plantations planters--like
doctors--differ. An amusing story was sent to Mr. Loudon by the Duke of
Bedford, in reference to his grandfather, who was an advocate for
vigorous thinning in the pine plantations.

"The Duke perceived that the plantation required thinning, in order to
admit a free circulation of air, and give health and vigour to the young
trees. He accordingly gave instructions to his gardener, and directed
him as to the mode and extent of the thinning required. The gardener
paused and hesitated, and at length said: 'Your Grace must pardon me if
I humbly remonstrate against your orders, but I cannot possibly do what
you desire; it would at once destroy the young plantation; and,
moreover, it would be seriously injurious to my reputation as a
planter.' My grandfather, who was of an impetuous and decided character,
but always just, instantly replied, 'Do as I desire you, and I will take
care of your reputation.' The plantation was accordingly thinned
according to the instructions of the Duke, who caused a board to be
fixed in the plantation, facing the wood, on which was inscribed, '_This
plantation has been thinned by John, Duke of Bedford, contrary to the
advice and opinion of his gardener._'"

The Willow (_Salix caprea_, &c.). The species of willow are so numerous
that we shall not attempt to give a list of them.

Willow-wood wears well in water, and has been used in shipbuilding and
carpentery, and especially for small ware, cricket-bats and toys.
Full-grown willows of all kinds are picturesque and very graceful trees.
The growth of the tree kinds when young is very rapid.

W