90 Trees, Stars, and Birds 



of several leaflets. How many leaflets have some of 

 the kinds of hickory that you know? What other 

 trees besides hickory have compound leaves? How 

 does the hickory differ from the ash in the arrangement 

 of its branches and leaves ? 



Hickory wood. Hickory is one of the best kinds of 

 wood for fuel, because it is heavy, even when seasoned, 

 and so does not burn out quickly. A cord of it lasts 

 longer and gives more heat than a cord of any light wood. 

 What other kinds of wood are valued for fuel ? When 

 it is sound and free from knots, hickory is too valuable 

 to be used for fuel. Probably you cannot find an ax 

 handle made of any other kind of wood. Hammer 

 handles, pick handles, ladder rounds, some toothpicks, 

 and many other things requiring strength and elasticity 

 are made of hickory. The spokes and rims of wheels 

 for carriages are usually made of this wood. 



Walnut wood. The wood of walnut trees is now very 

 much more valuable even than hickory wood. Al- 

 though not so strong, it is easier to make smooth, and the 

 heartwood, which has a dark color, is prized for gunstocks, 

 cabinet wood, and furniture. For many years it has been 

 exported to Europe. Half a century ago, when walnut 

 was still abundant and men failed to realize how valu- 

 able it would become, walnut trunks were often split 

 into fence rails. These lasted many years, but as land 

 and wood have become more valuable most of the rail 

 fences have been replaced by wire fences. Since the 

 wood is so durable, old walnut stumps have been "cut 

 into veneers, which are thin pieces used to cover some 

 cheaper wood. Old and worn furniture of solid walnut 



