=The Alder and its Uses.=—Whether viewed from a strictly commercial standpoint, for its justly recognized capacity for thriving luxuriantly where few other trees could exist, or for its ornamental qualities, the common alder will be found to rank high among British forest trees. It usually attains to a height of from 50 ft. to 60 ft., with a stout, well branched trunk that is more or less gnarled and fluted. The branches have an upward inclination, and are well clothed with roundly wedge-shaped leaves that are of a deep, dark green colour. With age the bark usually assumes a dark brown, or almost black, colour. The alder is found in all parts of Europe, North Africa, and from Asia to Japan. For planting in wet, even swampy, situations, where only a very limited number of trees could eke out an existence, the alder is of particular value, and it is in such situations that it attains to the largest size and produces the greatest quantity of timber. Even in situations where the poplar and willow find a difficulty in battling with the excessive and stagnant moisture the alder thrives luxuriantly and reproduces itself freely from seed. As an ornamental tree the alder is not much in request, although the stately habit and ample deep-green foliage render it of value in that respect. The fine old specimens by the river and stream sides at Esher Place in Surrey, have a beauty that is quite their own, and it is in such tranquil situations that the tree is seen to perfection—the beauty of form and picturesque appearance causing it to be unrivalled in river and lake scenery. The tree is readily propagated and comparatively cheap in consequence, grows rapidly after becoming established, and is not subject to disease or premature decay. Though soft, the timber of the alder is in much request, and in consequence numerous wants are supplied by it. It is very durable under water, and for this reason is largely employed for piles, bridge foundations, water pipes, and for lining the banks of rapid running streams and rivers. The celebrated bridge of the Rialto, at Venice, was, according to Evelyn, built on piles of alder wood, while the city of Ravenna was stated to have likewise been built on piles of the same wood. For herring barrel staves the wood is also in request, as it is for mill bobbins and turnery work. In cabinet work and for cheap furniture alder wood is largely used, while as it does not readily split, boards for the bottoms of carts and wheelbarrows are frequently made of the same wood. The beautiful pale pink colour which the timber permanently retains causes knotty planks to be in great demand for veneering purposes.