Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Beech

BEECH, a tree, the fagus sylvatica, or the genus fagus to which it belongs. It is ranked under the order coryloideae (mast-worts). The nuts are triquetrous, and are placed in pairs within the enlarged prickly involucre. They are called mast, and are devoured in autumn by swine and deer. The wood is brittle and is used by turners, joiners, and millwrights. The fine thin bark is employed for making baskets and band-boxes.