THe BIRCH is a Tree that will grow and thrive in any place, as well on the hot Gra∣velly and sandy Ground, as on the cold, wet, and moorish. Tis raised from Suckers, planted at convenient distances, five or sixe Foot asunder, which soon will grow up to Trees. After the first Year they should be cut within an Inch of the Ground, which will cause them to shoot out the stronger.
The Wood is useful for Turners, and makes good Charcoal.
This Tree yields the best Sap, and most in quantity of any in the Kingdom, which being prepared, either with Sugar or Honey, makes a pleasant Liquor, which now bears the name of Birch-Wine. It is thus to be drawn from the Trees; Cut off some of the small Branches, and hang Bottles with the ends of the Branches so cut put into their months, into which the Christallin Liquor will distil. You may also bore a Hole in∣to the Body of the Tree, putting therein a Tap, to which hang a Bottle to receive the said Liquor. And by either of these ways good quan∣tities thereof may be extracted in the Months of February and March when the Sap ascends, and before the Spring of the Leaf. It will run best when the Sun shines warm, or when the Wind is South, or West. This Liquor thus extracted, and well prepared, makes a very good and palate∣able Wine.
The MAPLE delights most in a sound and dry Soyl, either in Woods or Hedgrows. It is raised from the Keys, as the Ash. The Wood is very good for Turners and Joyners, being of a fine, light, and white Grain.
The QVICK-BEAM delights in a light Ground, in Mountains and Woods. 'Tis a quick growing Wood, of chief use for Fewel, and is raised from the Setts; or the Berrys, which when ••ipe, may be sown.
The HORN-BEAM agrees best with Barren, cold and hilly Grounds; 'tis to be raised by Sets, which when set, must be cut within half a Foot of the Ground, and from the Seds sown