56 Discussion of Industries 
used. It is particularly suitable for construction where resist- 
ance to decay is of importance. 
Third comes southern yellow pine, embracing longleaf and 
shortleaf. Longleaf pine is used extensively in doors, espe- 
cially for the panels on account of its ornamental grain, though 
a solid longleaf door would be too heavy for convenience. It 
would take two men to hang it. Therefore, shortleaf and white 
pine are used more extensively than longleaf in door construc- 
tion. Frequently longleaf is combined with white pine in the 
same door, the white pine forming the rails and stiles. Im- 
mense quantities of southern pine are made into sash and doors, 
while smaller quantities are used for railing, balusters, stairs, 
newel posts, and columns. Because of their hardness, sugar 
maple and longleaf pine are favorite woods for doorsills. 
Hemlock, a native species, is fourth in importance, and here 
again the ominous condition is seen that the State produced 
only about one-seventh of the amount consumed in 1919. Hem- 
lock, like spruce, is in heavy demand for pulpwood. 
Yellow poplar has come up from tenth place to fifth, and this 
may be taken as a tribute to its pleasing appearance and 
workable qualities. It is frequently preferred for columns, 
newels, and screen frames. 
White oak is used largely for high-grade finish, such as 
mantels, on account of its beautiful grain. It is capable of 
taking a high polish and when quarter-sawed it has a conspicu- 
ous “ silver grain,” which makes it most attractive for exterior 
parts of interior finish. Unless seasoned with care it checks 
and honey-combs badly, but next to mahogany it is considered 
by many to be the most beautiful wood for interior finish. 
Red gum, imported from the Central Southern States, is 
extremely popular because it can be made to take a beautiful 
finish, especially in imitation of Circassian walnut. The raw 
material comes into the State at prices that compete with local 
woods, and it is used in nearly all of the larger hotels and apart- 
ment-houses in one form or another as decorative material. Red 
eum was formerly considered a weed tree or practically so, 
until lumbermen learned how to dry it by special methods 
which overcame its tendency to warp and twist. It is now so 
