June 10, 1915. 



HARDWOOD RECORD 



57 



ably more optimistic. The last two weeks have brought a considerable 

 expansion in the volume of business, and inquiries are being received at 

 a rate that suggests a still further gain In the near future. Some mem- 

 bers of the trade have declared themselves as positive that the turn of 

 the tide has come and that there will be not only a larger business but 

 also somewhat firmer, if not actually higher, quotations. The strike in 

 Chicago curtailed demand for cypress and other materials which are 

 used in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds and various other necessi- 

 ties. It is understood that a definite settlement of the mill strike in 

 Chicago has not yet been concluded but that the men who were on 

 strike have returned and that there has been a resumption of building 

 activity. 



Export demand still runs largely to specialties on which buyers are 

 willing to pay the very high freight rates necessary. There is a pro- 

 nounced scarcity of ocean freight room and this is still quite dear. One 

 prominent exporter said that it was possible to sell a great deal of lum- 

 ber to Europe but that there was almost no freight room obtainable except 

 at practically prohibitive prices, about eighty cents per hundred to Liver- 

 pool. Some members of the trade are using sailing vessels and every 

 accommodation at hand is being pressed into service. The largest export 

 business at the moment is in ash and gum. Ash has been used largely 

 In Europe for the manufacture of artillery and sap gum has been taken 

 in considerable volume for the manufacture of aeroplane wings and other 

 equipment. There has also been some improvement in the demand for 

 red gum from Europe, mostly plain. Boat oars have been in good de- 

 mand practically throughout the war in Europe and one well-known firm 

 here, which makes a specialty of manufacturing and shipping these, has 

 been able to put through a very satisfactory business despite the severe 

 handicap of excessively high ocean freight rates. There is no doubt that 

 there is a large business in prospect with Europe if transportation facili- 

 ties can be secured .and, with the decided reduction in the exports of 

 cotton, it is regarded as probable that some reduction may be shown in 

 the near future in freight rates to foreign ports. Most of the shipments 

 made from Memphis have been to English, French, Italian, Danish and 

 Holland ports. 



The improvement In demand is stimulating the production of bard- 

 wood lumber and there is increased activity in this direction. Some of 

 the mills which closed down a short time ago have resumed operations 

 already or are preparing to do so. Logging operations are also being 

 conducted on a somewhat more liberal scale. An effort has been made 

 by manufacturers here and elsewhere in this territory to gauge their 

 output by the quantity of lumber l>eing sold, with the result that there 

 has been more or less irregularity about manufacturing operations. With 

 the better demand and prospects of further improvement, the tendency is 

 to manufacture lumber somewhat more freely and present Indications 

 are that the summer season will show almost, if not quite, normal 

 activity along this line. 



^■< NASHVILLE >-- 



There has been but little change in the hardwood situation in this 

 market the past two weeks, though dealers report a slight improvement 

 being noted in the volume of business. Some export shipments have 

 been made. During recent weeks several export buyers have been 

 in this territory looking for good walnut logs to be used for making 

 gunstocks for use in the war in Europe. Some sales were made, though 

 the supplies of walnut of the kind wanted are not large in this terri- 

 tory. The mills as a rule continue operations of greatly reduced volume. 

 Local building has not been up to the usual volume for the spring 

 and summer season, and only a moderate business is being handled in 

 the retail department. Large dealers are inclined to hold prices steady. 

 There are normal stocks of oak, ash, poplar, hickory and other lines 

 In this district. 



=-< BRISTOL >-= 



The lumber business in this, section shows indications of continued im- 

 provement. The prospects for summer and fall trade are considered 

 more hopeful. A little larger volume of business is now being done and 

 it is believed that an increasing demand will soon have a favorable effect 

 upon prices. The lumbermen believe that business will improve more 

 rapidly during the next few months but they do not expect any big 

 things before next year. A fair volume of stock is moving. Most of 

 the mills are in operation but how long they will run, unless there Is 

 ■ more marked improvement in trade, is a matter of speculation. 



=-< LOUISVILLE >= 



Not much change in the situation has been noted during the past 

 few weeks. Business continued to drag, though there is a fair volume 

 of lumber moving from this market at present. Factory operators are 

 buying to some extent, having practically no stocks, but their generally 

 reduced operations make the available business less than normal by a 

 considerable percentage. However, it is evident that if the factories 

 run during the summer, even at no more rapid pace than at present, 

 the hardwood trade will be as good as usual, if not better, for the 

 reason that usually the manufacturers who consume lumber run on 

 their surplus stocks. Now whatever consumption takes place will neces- 

 sarily be reflected in immediate buying. The July furniture show is 



Paepcke Leicht Lumber Co. 



Conway Building 111 W. Washington Street 



CHICAGO 



RED GUM 



AMERICA'S FINEST CABINET WOOD 



Consider its good qualities. 



It has strength. 



Can be brought to a very smooth sur- 

 face and consequently will take 

 high polish in finishing. 



Will not split easily. 



Runs strong to wide widths and long 

 lengths. 



Is not easily marred or dented. 



It can be supplied flat and straight — 

 free of warp and twist. 



Has beauty, color, life and character. 



Considering its numerous good quali- 

 ties, it is the lowest priced good 

 hardwood on the market today. 



We are the largest producers of Gum 

 in the world. 



Have a large and well assorted stock 

 on hand at all times. 



Can manufacture special thicknesses 

 on short notice. 



We guarantee 

 QUICK SHIPMENTS 

 GOOD GRADES 

 DRY STOCK 

 GOOD WIDTHS 

 GOOD LENGTHS 

 SATISFACTION 



Band mills at 



HELENA, ARK. BLYTHEVILLE, ARK. 



GREENVILLE, MISS. 



Write, phone or wire lor prices 



Paepcke Leicht Lumber Co. 



Conway Building 111 W. Washington St. 



CHICAGO 



