HARDWOOD RECORD 



45 



rule hardwood lumber stocks in the South are smaller than when the war 

 broke out in Europe and In some instances they have become quite broken. 

 This is only another way of saying that shipments have been heavier than 

 production. In fact, the position of the market, from a technical stand- 

 point, is considered quite favorable to an advance. There has been no 

 regret expressed on the part of any member of the hardwood trade regard- 

 ing the passing of 1914. That year brought a great deal of ti'ouble to the 

 lumber people who are all glad to see it behind them. They are facing 

 the new year with renewed hope and courage and with the determination 

 to contest successfully with unfavorable conditions growing out of the 

 war in Europe with its resultant depression in almost every channel of 

 trade. 



There has been no material change during the past two weeks in the 

 position of the various items here. There has been a rather insistent 

 <lemand for plain oak in both red and white and a moderate movement 

 in quartered oak has likewise been noted. There is a continued good 

 -demand for the lower grades of cottonwood and gum. Sap gum sells at a 

 very satisfactory rate, while red gum iu the higher grades is attracting 

 increasing attention. Ash is offering in only a moderate way and the 

 market thereon is quite firm. Most of the improvement expected in market 

 conditions is looked for in domestic channels. The situation abroad does 

 not look particularly attractive for the double reason that there is no very 

 large demand from that source and that ocean freight rates are so high as 

 to be almost prohibitive. In fact, the majority of those who have hereto- 

 fore been catering almost exclusively to the foreign markets have turned 

 their attention to the domestic ones and are striving to make up in the 

 latter for the business they have lost in the former. 



The increased inquiries and the growing belief in more favorable market 

 -conditions will probably lead to some increase in the output of hardwood 

 lumber in this territory within the next few weeks. The tendency toward 

 resumption has already developed sufficiently to make itself felt to a 

 certain extent and further developments along this line are anticipated 

 by those who are looking for a broader market. So far as the local situation 

 is concerned, however, there has been practically no change in the output 

 during the past fortnight. Plans along that line have been held up until 

 after the beginning of the new year and this is not sufficiently advanced for 

 these to be fully completed. More definite information along this line 

 will doubtless be available within the next fortnight. 



=-< NASHVILLE >•= 



Lumber firms of this city start the new year with confidence that the 

 i^radual improvement that has been experienced in other business will 

 extend to the lumber industry. Nashville firms report some nice orders 

 for the start of the year, and are optimistic as to the future. It is esti- 

 mated that production of hardwood lumber in this territory has been 

 curtailed forty per cent or more, and with the resumption of normal trade 

 there should at once be something doing In prices. Manufacturers believe 

 that the demand is bound to come. Stocks of most small concerns have 

 been almost cleaned up, and the volume of lumber is in strong hands, 

 -which causes confidence as to the future. There is little disposition to 

 make great concessions in prices to land business. 



=-< KNOXVILLE >-= 



There has been very little change for the better in this section. No one 

 •expects to see a large demand for lumber until after inventory taking is 

 over. For the past year business with the planing mills has been fairly 

 good ; in fact, some of them show an increase over last year's volume, but 

 with the sawmill men and wholesalers business does not compare very 

 favorably with 1913. 



The furniture and mantel factories report their business considerable 

 oft as compared with former years. A small improvement has been noted 

 in Inquiries, and it is the general opinion that business will begin to pick 

 up within the next month. There is one thing certain : In case there is 

 anything like a normal demand for hardwoods for the next three or four 

 months, there surely will be a scarcity ; stocks now are broken and the 

 small millman has not been operating for four months, and most of the 

 larger mills have either been shut down entirely or running just enough to 

 maintain their organizations. 



There seems to be a fair demand for ash, quartered oak, basswood and 

 low-grade poplar, and the stocks of all these woods are very low. Plain 

 oak in some grades is not moving very briskly, but there is a very good 

 <Jemand for some grades and thicknesses. Chestnut remains about the 

 same, but the supply of all grades is low. 



Collections are rather slow. From reports of the banks there appears 

 to be money enough, but some are still taking advantage of the situation 

 and asking for renewal and extensions very regularly. 



=•< LOUISVILLE y- 



The dawn of a new year has found the hardwood interests of this sec- 

 tion feeling much more optimistic regarding prospects. And, as it hap- 

 pened, instead of bare opinions and predictions, they have had something 

 more substantial upon which to base their sentiment. Trade has really 

 been improving, in spite of the fact that the inventory season is on, and 

 heavy business would be diflScult to account for. There has been a good 

 deal of mixed car business, indicating that consumers are running their 

 plants and need the material for current consumption, while it is reported 



Paepcke Leicht Lumber Co. 



Conway Building 1 1 1 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 for prices 



Paepcke Leicht Lumber Co. 



Conway Building 111 W. Washington St. 



CHICAGO 



