AMERICAN LUMBER IN FOREIGN MARKETS. 221 



The lumber trade is principally supplied from Norway, Sweden, and 

 the United States. American white oak is held in the highest esteem, 

 here, being far superior to the Danish article, which is scarce and poor 

 in quality. One firm which I consulted carries only American oak, 

 and is of opinion that this particular wood has splendid chances in the 

 markets of Denmark. It is more in demand than any other American 

 wood. Walnut, poplar, and pitch pine have also good chances here. 

 Elm and ash are not so much used. They have been imported, but are 

 of no importance now. Boards, planks, and sawed lumber are generally 

 preferred and have the quickest sale. 



All lumber shipped for sale in Danish markets should be thoroughly 

 dried and seasoned, and American dealers will find it to their interest 

 to bear this fact in mind. For instance, it is said that green walnut 

 logs must be kept two years before using. Oak is used for furniture, 

 shipbuilding, and house building, and should be shipped in planks and 

 boards unless otherwise specially ordered. Walnut is used for furni- 

 ture, and should always be shipped in boards. Pine is used for ship 

 and house building ; poplar for veneering, billboards, and furniture, also 

 in the manufacture of pianofortes and carriages. Poplar is also used 

 largely for stoppers to beer kegs, liquor barrels, etc. There is much 

 demand for this wood, and it may be shipped in boards or logs. Maple, 

 I think, also has a future here for veneering and inlaid work. 



There is no duty on oak imported into Denmark. Other woods pay 

 a duty of 13 ore (3J cents) per cubic foot. 



The opening of the free port of Copenhagen affords a good opportu- 

 nity to American dealers. Lumber shipped in bulks can be stored at 

 low rates in the ample yards of the free port and from there be dis- 

 tributed to the various ports of the Baltic, according to the demands 

 of trade. 



The free port being considered foreign territory, there is no duty on 

 goods entering to be reshipped on sale. Only when sold for use in 

 Denmark will the customary duty be exacted. 



The following are some of Ihe principal lumbermen in Copenhagen: 

 Th. & O. Brochner, Store Kongensgade 63; A. Chr. Hensen & Co., 

 Agents, Osterbrogade 3; Aubertin & Co., Norrebrogade 177; West- 

 phal, Thedin & Co., Norrebrogade 209; Emil Mottlan, Norrebrogade 

 116. American dealers can correspond directly with these firms as to 

 prices, terms, etc. 



EGBERT J. KIRK, Consul. 



COPENHAGEN, Uecember 12, 1894. 



