TREES 393 



440. Size of Trees. The following is a very practical 

 way of classifying trees in general divisions according to 

 size: Young trees which have not yet reached a height of 

 3 ft. are seedlings. Trees from 3 to 10 ft. in height are small 

 saplings, and from 10 ft. in height until they reach a diameter 

 of 4 in., they are large saplings. Small poles are from 4 to 

 8 in., in diameter, and large poles from 8 to 12 in. in diameter. 

 Trees from 1 to 2 ft. through are standards, and, finally, all 

 trees over 2 ft. in diameter are veterans. It is important 

 to remember that all these diameters are measured at the 

 height of a man's chest about 4 ft., 6 in. from the 

 ground. 



441. Varieties of Wood. Many kinds of wood are used 

 for commercial purposes. Each kind has certain character- 

 istics peculiar to itself. The following list includes the 

 names and chief characteristics of the woods most extensively 

 used by wood-workers in carrying on their trade. 



Pine is of two varieties white and yellow. When dried, 

 these woods are free from all tendency to warp or shrink 

 and the grain is handsome in appearance. Articles made 

 from half-seasoned pine wood tend to shrink and fall to 

 pieces. 



Rosewood is hard and dark with a wavy grain. It is 

 reddish brown in color with darker zones or patches. 



Walnut when well seasoned is tough and little inclined 

 to warp. 



Maple is a light and very durable wood, a special variety 

 of which is called bird's-eye maple. 



Oak requires a long time to season and is very unsatis- 

 factory if used green. It is very difficult to work but its 

 appearance improves with age. It has a tendency to warp 



