Beam-tree, WHITE

Beam-tree, WHITE (Pyrus aria, see PYRUS), a tree of 20–40 feet in height, a native of almost all parts of Europe and of corresponding climates in Asia, not uncommon in the mountainous districts of Britain, and frequently planted. It has been variously referred by botanists to several allied genera—Sorbus, Crataegus, and Mespilus. It has a straight erect trunk, and a round or oval head; the leaves are ovate, cut and serrated (in some varieties deeply lobed), white and downy beneath; the flowers in large terminal corymbs; the fruit scarlet, of the size of small peas. The fruit is acid and astringent, but becomes agreeable when in a state of incipient decay; it is sometimes called Sorb or Service-berry, and resembles the true Service (q.v.) in quality, although much smaller. Beer is made of it by fermentation, and by distillation it yields a powerful spirit. The wood is very hard, and of a fine close grain, yellowish white, but easily stained, and capable of taking a high polish. It is much used in turnery in making handles to knives and forks, wooden spoons, parts of various musical instruments, and cogs for the wheels of machinery.