[AT] OT Heating with wood

[John Cullom]

All this talk of wood stoves reminded me of a poem I read on this list many 
years ago. I think Farmer posted it, but I can't remember. I burn wood every 
winter so as not to use too much of the liquid black gold, so I saved it 
knowing I'd refer to it sooner or later. Whomever wrote it had a high 
opinion of ash.......


Beechwood fires are bright and clear,
if the logs are kept a year.
Chestnut's only good they say,
if for long 'tis laid away.
But ash new or ash old,
is fit for a queen with a crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast,
blaze up bright and do not last.
It is by the Irish said,
hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elmwood burns like church yard mold,
e'en the very flames are cold.
But ash green or ash brown,
is fit for a queen with a golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
fills your eyes and makes you choke.
Applewood will scent your room,
with an incense like perfume.
Oaken logs if dry and old,
keep away the winters cold.
But ash wet or ash dry,
a king shall warm his slipper by.