17 FEBRUARY 1956, Page 27

ASH FOR A QUEEN

Logs of beech wood burn too fast, There's a fire that will not last.

Chestnut's only good they say, If for long it's laid away.

Poplar makes a bitter smoke, Fills your eyes and makes you choke.

Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread, It is by the Irish said.

Elmwood burns like churchyard mould.

E'en the very flames are cold.

Apple logs will fill your room With an incense-like perfume, But fit is ashwood, wet or dry, For a Queen to warm her slippers by.

After my remarks about suitable wood for log fires I was delighted to have this verse from a reader who lives in Hampshire and agrees with what j said on the subject.