PROPERTIES OF FIREWOOD



Here is a very old poem of English Folk origin I came across that is for the choosing the right wood for building a fire.

Logs to Burn, Logs to burn, Logs to burn,
Logs to save the coal a turn,
Here's a word to make you wise,
When you hear the woodman's cries.

Never heed his usual tale,
That he has good logs for sale,
But read these lines and really learn,
The proper kind of logs to burn.

Oak Logs will warm you well
that are old and dry;
Maple Logs. if dry and old,
Keep away the winter cold.

Logs of Pine will sweetly smell,
but the sparks will fly.
Make a fire of elder tree
Death within your house will be

Birch Logs will burn too fast
Chestnut scarce at all;
Hawthorne Logs will burn to last,
Cut them in the fall.
Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke.
Holly Logs will burn like wax
You may burn them green;
Elm Logs liken to smoldering flax,
No flame tobe seen.

Beech Logs for wintertime,
Yew Logs as well;
Elmwood burns like churchyard mold,
E'en the very flames are cold.

Pear Logs and Apple Logs,
The will scent your room;
Cherry Logs across the dogs
Smell like flowers of broom.

Ash Logs smooth and grey,
Burn them green or old;
Buy up all that come your way,
Worth their weight in gold!