Beech (Figs. 241, 257) resembles sycamore in its properties, and is used in somewhat the same ways by cabinet makers and turners.

Fig. 241. Transverse section of beech wood, 3/1.

Fig. 241.-Transverse section of beech wood, 3/1. (Hartig.)

Fig. 257. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica, Beech Family, Fagaceoe). 1, flowering branch, showing staminate flower cluster at a, and pistillate cluster above. 2, staminate flower. 3, pistillate flower, cut vertically. ovaries, cut across. 5, fruit with cup and nuts. 6, nut. (Wossidlo.) Tree growing 35 m. tall; bark smooth and grayish; leaves fringed when young; flowers purplish; fruit brown. Native home, Europe.

Fig. 257.-European Beech (Fagus sylvatica, Beech Family, Fagaceoe). 1, flowering branch, showing staminate flower-cluster at a, and pistillate cluster above. 2, staminate flower. 3, pistillate flower, cut vertically. ovaries, cut across. 5, fruit with cup and nuts. 6, nut. (Wossidlo.)-Tree growing 35 m. tall; bark smooth and grayish; leaves fringed when young; flowers purplish; fruit brown. Native home, Europe.