142 



FOREST COMMISSIONER S REPORT. 



Matches and Toothpicks. 



The amount of wood converted into matches and toothpicks 

 is shown in Table 40. The paper birch and aspen shov/n in the 

 table were used in the manufacture of toothpicks and the white 

 pine for matches. 



Toothpick manufacturers in Maine apparently prefer paper 

 birch. It is interesting to note that the toothpick manufacturers 

 of Alichigan use more than one million feet of birch annually 

 but that they use sweet birch preferably, followed by yellow- 

 birch and sugar maple, while reporting no paper birch at all. 

 Since there is much paper birch in the northern part of Michi- 

 gan, it would seem that it could be used for toothpicks in that 

 State, and, since Michigan toothpick makers have found yellow 

 birch and sugar maple suitable, it would seem that these species 

 might be used for the same purpose in Maine. 



Paper birch for toothpicks must be free from knots and red 

 heart. The material is usually especially selected and sells for 

 high prices. The logs are cut into two-foot bolts, peeled, and 

 steamed slightly. The bolts are converted into thin veneer, 

 from which the toothpicks are automatically cut, dried and 

 polished. 



Aspen has been found a very satisfactory substitute for some 

 grades of toothpicks, but it must be very carefully handled to 

 give a good product. 



TABLE 41. 



