small ties, or which will be too small to make ties at all. Some 

 operators have been cutting chestnut down to 4 inches, but that 

 is not advisable if a sure market for the lumber is desirable, 

 6 inches being a safer minimum diameter. 



There is a good demand for the better grades of chestnut 

 squared up from the butt, and good second logs. This lumber 

 is being sold in place of the southern chestnut, graded No. 1 

 and No. 2 common. In thicknesses of 1 inch, Ij inches, 2 

 inches and thicker, 6 inches and up wide, it is commanding a 

 price of from $40 to $55 per thousand feet delivered. Care 

 should be taken, however, to saw this material full to thick- 

 ness, so that it will dry to those sizes; also it must be stuck 

 and dried properly. This material is used for coffins, finish, 

 furniture, cabinet work, piano cases, construction, etc. Even 

 higher prices might be realized if great care in sawing and 

 grading is exercised. Wormy material cannot be sold in this 

 class, nor can it be sold extensively for chair stock. Railroad 

 ties and box boards are the best market for wormy chestnut. 

 Some wormy lumber can be sold square edge, if it is sound, at 

 a lesser price. 



Some chestnut has been used for ship timbers, but it is doubt- 

 ful whether that demand will continue. 



Oak. 



Oak is fast disappearing from the eastern section of the State, 

 due to the gypsy moth. However, it is our most important 

 hardwood tree, and in extensive demand at this time. The 

 chief uses may be classified as follows: 



1. Piling. White and red oak are in constant demand for 

 piling. White oak is specified in some cases, but usually either 

 may be used. The prices have ranged from 25 cents to $1 

 (for very large sticks) per running foot for the piles delivered. 

 About all the larger piles must be from 7 to 8 inches diameter 

 at the small end, and from 14 to 20 inches at the butt. Lengths 

 run from 30 to 60 feet. All must be fairly straight and thor- 

 oughly sound. The chief difficulty with piling is in handling, as 

 it requires special knowledge and equipment. It is not advis- 

 able to cut piles except on order, as they rapidly deteriorate. 



