AMERICAN LUMBER IN FOREIGN MARKETS. 145 



alone. For this purpose it is exceedingly durable. It is used univer- 

 sally for frame houses, joists and beams, piles, and decking for bridges, 

 wharfs, etc. The Huon pine is a very valuable and durable wood, but 

 it is comparatively scarce and dear; for this cause it does not supplant 

 the imported timber. The light wood is used mainly for furniture and 

 interior fittings. 



KINDS OF LUMBER USED. 



The lumber used, and which is preferred, is principally Swedish, 

 imported in the form of " deals," and tongued and grooved linings. 

 American redwood and shelving and Oregon pine are used to a limited 

 extent, and the Kauri pine of New Zealand more largely. 



IMPORTS OF LUMBER. 



In 1891 the total imports of timber were 5,335,000 superficial feet, but 

 with the prevailing depression and consequent suspension of building, 

 it is expected that the quantity will be materially diminished this year. 



As much of the timber comes through the colonies of Victoria and 

 New South Wales, the original source of supply can not be given with 

 accuracy. Probably about 850,000 superficial feet came from the United 

 States, 3,235,000 superficial feet from Sweden, and 1,250,000 superficial 

 feet from New Zealand, in 1891. 



DUTY AND PRICES. 



There is no duty on timber 3 inches thick or over; under that pays 

 60 cents and $1.21 per 100 .superficial feet. 



At the present time the values of all kinds of timber are abnormally 

 low : American red wood, $4.01 ; Oregon, $2.67, duty paid (60 cents) in 

 both cases; American shelving, $6.08 duty paid ($1.21); all per 100 

 superficial feet. The native gum flooring boards, tongued and grooved, 

 are sold at $3.04 per 100 superficial feet. 



CLIMATE. 



The climate of the island varies, owing to its mountainous character, 

 but it is temperate and equable throughout, the mean yearly average 

 range probably not exceeding 68 F. 



GENERAL BUILDING. 



General building has been fairly active until now. It does not seem 

 probable that much recovery will take place for some time. 



Eailroad building is also suspended and is not likely to be resumed, 

 except in a small way; in any case, very limited quantities of imported 

 timber would be used in construction. 

 655A 10 



