TRUE WOODS 263 



Cherry as found in the lumber market is almost entirely 

 the wood of the wild black cherry (Fig. 247) although the 

 wood of other species may sometimes be offered. Its fine 

 texture and attractive color make it one of the most desirable 

 of finishing lumbers. Plum (Figs. 95, 239), very similar to 

 cherry, is used similarly but more rarely. 



Maple, especially sugar-maple (Fig. 248) has all the quali- 

 ties necessary for flooring, paneling, and other interior 

 finishing. It is highly valued also for the keels of vessels. 

 As a material for furniture "curly" grained or "bird's eye" 

 varieties are in great demand. Its fine texture and uniform 

 hardness adapt it also for shoe-lasts and other form blocks, 

 for shoe-pegs, showbill type, parts of pianos and other musical 

 instruments, and for use in carving and turnery. 



Tulip whitewood (Fig. 249) is used in enormous quantities 

 for a great many purposes where fine texture, ease of working, 

 and stiffness are required but not much strength. Interior 

 finishing, furniture, carriage and wagon bodies, parts of 

 implements and machinery, and many kinds of woodenware, 

 boxes, and toys show the wide range of its usefulness. 



Magnolia (Fig. 250), has a wood so closely resembling that 

 of the tulip whitewood as to be frequently used for similar 

 purposes. 



Basswood, obtained from the linden tree (Figs. 251, 252), re- 

 sembles the sap-wood of magnolia in appearance and proper- 

 ties. On account of its lightness, uniform texture, and pale 

 color it is used especially for the bottoms of drawers, for carv- 

 ing and pyrography, and because of its stiffness serves well 

 for trunks. 



Poplar (Fig. 253) obtained from various species, is a very 

 soft, light wood of limited use in building and furniture 

 making; but found to be suitable for sugar and flour barrels, 

 cracker boxes, crates, and certain articles of woodenware. 



Birch (Figs. 240, 254) of various species is a wood resem- 

 bling cherry in its properties, and when stained to imitate it, is 

 often used in place of the more expensive material for interior 

 finishing and furniture. It is used commonly also for spools, 

 turned boxes, wooden shoes, shoe-lasts, shoe-pegs, wagon- 

 hubs, ox-yokes, and many other carved or turned articles. 



