WOOD LORE

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Oak-logs will warm you well,
That are old and dry;
Logs of pine will sweetly smell
But the sparks will fly.

Birch-logs will burn too fast,
Chestnut scarce at all;
Hawthorne-logs are good to last--
Catch them in the fall.

Holly logs will burn like wax,
You may burn them green;
Elm-logs like to smoldering flax,
No flame to be seen.

Beech-logs for winter time,
Yew-logs as well;
Green elder-logs it is a crime
For any man to sell.

Pear-logs and apple-logs,
They will scent your room,
Cherry-logs across the dogs,
Smell like flower of broom.

Ash-logs, smooth and gray,
Burn them green or old,
Buy up all that come your way--
Worth their weight in gold.
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Beware of an oak,
It draws the stroke. [lightning]
Avoid an Ash,
It courts the flash. [again lightning]
Creep under the thorn,
It will save you from harm.
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Burn ash-wood green,
'Tis fit for a queen;
Burn ash-wood sere,
'Twill make a man swear.