TRUE WOODS 263 
Cherry as found in the lumber market is almost entirely 
the wood of the wild black cherry (Fig. 247) although the 
wood of other species may sometimes be offered. Its fine 
texture and attractive color make it one of the most desirable 
of finishing lumbers. Plum (Figs. 95, 239), very similar to 
cherry, is used similarly but more rarely. | 
Maple, especially sugar-maple (Fig. 248) has all the quali- 
ties necessary for flooring, paneling, and other interior 
finishing. It is highly valued also for the keels of vessels. 
As a material for furniture ‘“‘curly” grained or “bird’s eye” 
varieties are in great demand. Its fine texture and uniform 
hardness adapt it also for shoe-lasts and other form blocks, 
for shoe-pegs, showbill type, parts of pianos and other musical 
instruments, and for use in carving and turnery. 
Tulip whitewood (Fig. 249) is used in enormous quantities 
for a great many purposes where fine texture, ease of working, 
and stiffness are required but not much strength. Interior 
finishing, furniture, carriage and wagon bodies, parts of 
implements and machinery, and many kinds of woodenware, 
boxes, and toys show the wide range of its usefulness. 
Magnolia (Fig. 250), has a wood so closely resembling that 
of the tulip whitewood as to be frequently used for similar 
purposes. 
Basswood, obtained from the linden tree (Figs. 251, 252), re- 
sembles the sap-wood of magnolia in appearance and proper- 
ties. On account of its lightness, uniform texture, and pale 
color it is used especially for the bottoms of drawers, for carv- 
ing and pyrography, and because of its stiffness serves well 
for trunks. 
Poplar (Fig. 253) obtained from various species, is a very 
soft, light wood of limited use in building and furniture 
making; but found to be suitable for sugar and flour barrels, 
cracker boxes, crates, and certain articles of woodenware. 
Birch (Figs. 240, 254) of various species is a wood resem- 
bling cherry in its properties, and when stained to imitate it, is 
often used in place of the more expensive material for interior 
finishing and furniture. It is used commonly also for spools, 
turned boxes, wooden shoes, shoe-lasts, shoe-pegs, wagon- 
hubs, ox-yokes, and many other carved or turned articles, 
