BEECH

(bēche). Syn. Beech′-tree; Fa′gus , L; Hétre , H. commun , Fr.; Buche, Gemeine b ., Ger. The fa′gus sylvat′ica (Linn.), a magnificent English forest-tree, of the nat. ord. Amentaceæ (DC.). Fruit ( BEECH′-MAST , B.-NUTS ), used to feed swine, and, sometimes, in obstinate headaches, and in gravel complaints; yields oil by expre ion; inner bark occasionally used in hectic fevers. Wood ( BEECH , B.-WOOD ), handsome and very hard, but brittle and perishable, and particularly liable to become worm-eaten; its durability is increased by steeping it, when fresh-hewn, for some time in water; chiefly used by cabinet-makers, coach-builders, millwrights, and turners; and, sometimes, by coopers; also burnt for charcoal.