Heres a poem from the days when wood was the only heat source, from some forgotten English poet.........
Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year.
Chestnut only good, they say,
If for long 'tis laid away.
But ash new or old
Is fit for queen with 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.
Elm wood burns like church yard mold
E'en the very flames are cold.
But ash green or ash brown
Is fit for queen with golden crown.
Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke.
Apple wood will sent your room
With an incense like perfume.
Oaken logs, if dry and old,
Keep away the winter's cold.
But ash wet or ash dry
a king shall warm his slippers by.