This tree, native of the Eastern United States and Canada, seems to be growing in popularity for its timber in the old world, and it may be of interest to American forest planters to examine how far its culture may be worth encouraging in our country.

Gardening Illustrated says:

"The Mahogany Birch, or Mountain Mahogany, has been found well adapted for cultivation in Britain, where it grows freely, attains to a large size, and produces timber of excellent quality; indeed, in this latter respect we are now fully convinced that it has few rivals amongst the general run of our forest trees. For all this, few indeed are the specimens one will meet with in any part of the kingdom, which is, no doubt, attributable to a want of knowledge regarding its utility for general planting in this country. Grown under favorable circumstances, it attains a height of 50 or 60 feet, is of Cherry-like appearance, but with darker bark, and cordate, finely serrated leaves. A peculiarity, noticeable at least in the trees here, is the mode of growth, which seems jointed, as in a Bamboo, this being attributable to the quick rate of growth, and non-production of branches unless at the termination of each season's shoot. The catkins, which are not unlike those of the common Birch, are destitute of foot-stalks, and composed of simple undivided scales.

"As regards quality of the timber produced in this country, we have found it to be first-class, ample opportunities having been afforded us of judging it both in a rough and converted condition. It is reddish in color, and beautifully marked with lighter patches, close-grained, firm, and takes a high polish. For carving, it is well suited, while the cabinet-maker is only too pleased to purchase a log of it when for disposal".