The winter oak... is very useful in buildings but when in a moist place it takes in water to its centre... and so it rots. The Turkey oak and the beech both... take in moisture to their centre and soon decay. White and black poplar, as well as willow, linden, and the agnus castus... are of great service from their stiffness.... they are a convenient material to use in carving.

Chapter IX, Sec. 9 - De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (~ 15BC) - Book II