Several versions of this around - pick yer favorite verses and create your own...
-Wood Burning Rhyme-
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,
If they're
old and dry.
Larch logs
of pine will smell,
But the
sparks will fly.
Beech logs
for Christmas time,
Yew logs
heat well.
"Scotch"
logs it is a crime,
For anyone
to sell.
Birch logs
will burn too fast,
Chestnut
scarce at all.
Hawthorn
logs are good to last,
If you cut
them in the fall.
Holly logs
will burn like wax,
You should
burn them green,
Elm logs
like smouldering flax,
No flame to
be seen.
Pear logs
and apple logs,
They will
scent your room,
Cherry logs
across the dogs*,
Smell like
flowers in bloom.
But ash
logs, all smooth and grey,
Burn them
green or old;
Buy up all
that come your way,
They're
worth their weight in gold.
*log dogs are name for the metal risers in the fireplace to allow air underneath.
**********
Here is a quicker memory aid from the Scouts (UK)
These hardwoods burn well and slowly,
Ash, beech, hawthorn oak and holly.
Softwoods flare up quick and fine,
Birch, fir, hazel, larch and pine.
Elm and willow you'll regret,
Chestnut green and sycamore wet.
