70 



TIMBER. 



ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR DISTINCTIONS IN THE GROUP. 



Cherry anil birch are sometimes confounded, the high pith rays on the cherry on 

 radial sections readily distinguishes it; distinct pores on birch and spring-wood 

 zone in cherry as well as the darker vinous-brown color of the latter will prove 

 helpful. 



Two groups of birches can be readily distinguished, though specific distinction 

 is not always possible. 



1. Pith rays fairly distinct, the pores rather few and not more abundant in the 

 sprinjr wood; wood heavy, usually darker, 



(No. 48) Cherry birch and (No. 49) yellow birch. 



2. Pith rays barely distinct, pores more numerous and commonly forming a 

 more porous spring-wood zone; wood of medium weight, 



(No. 51) Canoe or paper birch 



ar<! 



G H , 



c ^ P 



ttlli 



ar 



pn- 



Beech I Sycamore I Birch. 



Fig. 45.— "Wood of beech, sycamore, and birch. 



The species of maple may be distinguished as follows: 



1. Most of the pith rays broader than the pores and very conspicuous, 



( No. 79) Sugar maple. 



2. Pith rays not or rarely broader than the pores, fine but conspicuous. 



a. Wood heavy and hard, usually of darker reddish color and commonly 

 spotted on cross section (No. 80) Red maple. 



b. Wood of medium weight and hardness, usually light colored, 



(No. 82) Silver mafle. 



Fig. 46. — Wood of maple. 



Red maple is not always safely distinguished from soft maple. In box elder the 

 pores are finer and more numerous than in soft maple. 



