3 Discussion of I ndustries 
vehicles, and agricultural implements on account of its tough, 
hard grain and elasticity. The manufacturers import more 
than two million feet of hickory annually from the central 
western States, most of which is the shellbark species. The 
supply of this valuable species is rapidly disappearing. 
New York manufacturers use many woods which are not 
erown within the State. The principal shipments from with- 
out, in addition to the southern pines, consist of red gum and 
cypress. Gum, once considered a weed tree, is now in high 
demand for furniture and other ornamental uses. Bald cy- 
press (Taxodium distichum) 1s conspicuous in many indus- 
tries, including boat-building, caskets, and interior finish. It 
comes generally from Louisiana, but is found in commercial 
quantities throughout the southeastern United States. 
Many woods are imported from foreign nations. Mahogany 
contributes nearly 12 million feet, most of which comes from 
Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and Africa, but a 
small amount comes from the northern states of South Amer- 
ica. Balsa, a relatively new wood in our markets, takes second 
place in quantity among imported woods. South America 
supplies this extremely light and rapid-growing wood. It is 
now used principally in manufacturing life rafts and floats. 
Experiments are also being tried in its utilization as a heat 
insulator. Because of the porosity and weakness of this wood, 
and some difficulties of working and handling it, its field is as 
yet somewhat limited. Spanish cedar comes from Mexico and 
Central America for use almost exclusively in the manufacture 
of cigar boxes. 
Circassian walnut comes from southeastern Russia and the 
adjacent regions of Asiatic Turkey and the Black Sea. Teak 
comes from India and Siam, and is valued for bearings and 
ship decking. Ebony is imported from many countries, but 
the best grades are supplied by Ceylon, India, and Madagascar. 
Lignumvitae comes from the American tropics, and is very 
important in the manufacture of mallets, rollers, bushings, 
casters, and bowling balls. A small amount of satinwood finds 
