92 SEVENTIL EVENING.

Tut. Yes. The mountains of Norway are overrun
with them, enough for the supply of all Europe; but
on account of their ruggedness, and the want of
roads, it 1s found impossible to get the trees, when
felled, down to the sea-coast, unless they grow near
some river.

Geo. How do they manage them ?

Tut. They take the opportunity when the rivers are
swelled with rains, or melted snow, and tumble the
trees into them, when they are carried down to the
mouth of the rivers, where they are stopped by a sort
of pens.

Har. I should like to see them swimming down the
stream.

Lut. Yes—it would be curious enough ; for in some
places these torrents roll over rocks, making steep
waterfalls, down which the trees are carried headlong,
and often do not rise again till they have got to a con-
siderable distance ; and many of them are broken and
torn to pieces in the passage.

Geo. Are these woods used for anything besides
building ?

Lut. Hor a variety of purposes; such as_ boxes,
trunks, packing-cases, pales, wainscots, and the like.
Deal is a very soft wood, easily worked, light, and
cheap, which makes it preferred for so many uses,
though it is not very durable, and is very liable to
sphit.

Hlar. Yes—I know ; my box is made of deal, and the
lid is spht all to pieces, with driving nails into it.

Geo. Are ships ever built with fir ?

tut. It was one of the first woods made use of for
naval purposes; and in the poets you will find the
words Pine and Sir frequently employed to signify
ship.. But as navigation has iunproved, the stronger
and more durable woods have generally taken its
place. However, in the countries where fir is very
plentiful, large ships are still built with it; for though
they last only a short time, they cost so little in pro-