Burning Qualities of Wood

Oak logs will warm you well, that are old and dry
Logs of pine will sweetly smell, but the sparks do fly;
Birch logs burn too fast, chestnut not at all
Hawthorn logs are good to last, cut them in the Fall.
Holly logs will burn like wax, you may burn them green
Elm logs like to smouldering flax, no flame can 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 flowers of broom;
Ash logs, smooth and grey, burn them green or old
Buy them all that come your way, worth their weight in gold. 

Beech wood fires are bright and clear...

If the logs are kept all year;

Chestnut only good they say

If for long 'tis laid away.

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;

Elm wood burns like churchyard mould

e'en the very flames are cold. 

Poplar gives a bitter smoke

Hurts your eyes and makes you choke;

Apple wood will scent your room

With an incense like perfume.

Oak and Maple if dry and old

Keeps away the winter's cold;

But Ash wood wet or Ash wood dry

A King can warm his slippers by.