Current Literature 87 



This pamphlet gives an analysis of 18 years' experience of the 

 American Telephone and Telegraph Company with poles treated 

 by pressure, open tank, and brush methods. 



Experimental series of creosoted poles were installed as parts of 

 lines used for regular service, with untreated poles included as 

 controls. These were periodically inspected and detailed obser- 

 vations made on their condition and all possibly related factors 

 noted. The experimental series were located mostly in Nebraska, 

 New York, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, and large numbers 

 of poles were concerned. The species used were Southern Yellow 

 pine, chestnut. Eastern cedar, and "juniper" {Chamaecyparis 

 thyoides) . 



The earliest experiments were begim in 1897 and 1899, using 

 whole length (pressure) treatment, chiefly with Yellow pine. In 

 all the later series butt treatments only were given, both brush 

 and open tank methods being used. These investigations were 

 carried on in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service. 



As yet, the writers consider it too soon to give much more than 

 general conclusions, but the data presented in the various ana- 

 lyzed tables of condition are of great interest. On account of the 

 wholesale and systematic character of the investigations, future 

 progress reports will be of much value. 



J. H. W. 



The Ashes: Their Characteristics and Management. By W. D. 

 Sterrett. Bulletin 299, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Con- 

 tribution from the Forest Service. Washington, D. C. 1915. 

 Pp. 88. 



The introductory portion of this bulletin emphasizes the eco- 

 nomic importance of this group of trees. The annual cut of ash 

 limiber in the United States is aroimd 250 million feet, estimated 

 45 per cent White ash, 37 per cent Green, and 18 per cent Black 

 ash. The White ash comes largely from the Central States, the 

 Green ash from the lower Mississippi valley, and the Black ash 

 from the Lake States. 



Tables are given for the separation of the species by botanical 

 characters, and showing the relative importance for commercial 

 or silvicultural purposes. 



The different species are discussed as to their occurrence (types 

 and habitat), biologic requirements, reproductive characteristics, 



