BROADLEAF WOODS. 



The trees affording these woods are found in natural 

 forests and under cultivation in nearly every portion of the 

 globe. The histories of some of them extend back to very 

 remote periods. Their woods were the principal ones in con- 

 struction in many districts. The oaks, elms, maples, and 

 many other so-called hard woods are of this group. 



Broadleaf woods are characterized by complex fibre condi- 

 tions, absence of resins, and greater weights.* They are 

 composed of several kinds of cells and fibres, arranged without 

 the regularity so noticeable in the conifers. Cross-sections 

 exhibit numerous, often easily visible pores, arranged in zones 

 or scattered throughout the rings (see plate 2). Pith-rays are 

 numerous and more or less conspicuous, save in softer hard 

 woods such as poplar. Woods are difficult to work in propor- 

 tion as they are complicated in structure. The numerous 

 members of the group vary from one anolher and present an 

 extensive range of properties. Although there are exceptions, 

 as the eucalyptus and tulip trees, individuals of this class are 

 not commonly depended upon for the large straight pieces 

 associated with the pines, spruces, firs, and redwoods. Many 

 of the broadleaf woods are used in "construction," but the 

 demand for this purpose is much less than that met by the 

 needleleaf series. Woods for cabinet purposes, implements, 

 and other fine needs are derived from the broadleaf group. 



The leaves of broadleaf trees are easily distinguished from 

 the resinous, usually evergreen ones of the conifers. Most of 

 them are deciduous, that is, shed every season, although some 

 are persistent, that is, "evergreen." " Broadleaf," " decidu- 

 ous," and "hardwood " trees are the same. 



* Neither resin-ducts nor resin exists in these woods, save sometimes in buds 

 and leaves. 



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