148 STLVA AMERICANA. 



distinct class of mechanics called cedar coopers^ and a considerable 

 number of workmen are employed for the domestic and foreign 

 market. They fabricate principally pails, wash tubs and churns 

 of different forms. This ware is cheap, light and neatly made ; 

 and instead of becoming dull, like that of other wood, it grows 

 whiter and smoother by use. This wood, when selected with 

 care, makes excellent sound-boards for piano fortes. Charcoal 

 highly esteemed in the manufacture of gun powder is made of 

 young stocks about an inch and a half in diameter deprived of 

 their bark ; and the seasoned wood affords beautiful lamp black, 

 lighter and more intensely colored, though less abundant, than 

 that obtained from the pine. The farmers of the borders of the 

 cedar swamps employ this tree for field fence : the rails, formed 

 of young stocks entire or split in the middle, last from 50 to 60 

 years when deprived of the bark. This wood has long since 

 ceased to be employed for the frames of houses, as it is more 

 profitably used for other purposes in joinery, for which it is 

 superior to white pine, being still more durable and more secure 

 from worms. 



