STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 61 



well for the white ash, which is also in demand for fork handles, 

 rake handles and for other purposes. The oaks are converted into 

 stairs, the beech makes good dowels and lasts, while the brown ash 

 and elm arc used in numerous ways. 



The hemlock is and has been a very valuable forest tree. The 

 lumber manufactured from it is not the best but it makes a good 

 covering board and holds the nail well, while its bark has been a 

 source of great wealth for the rich supplies of tannic acid it con- 

 tains. The basswood, which thrives in some parts of the State, is 

 one of the most valuable woods for finishing, but lately it has been 

 converted into carriage panels, and last year the Dennisons bought 

 all they could get in my part of the State to manufacture into 

 jewelry boxes. 



If ever a tract of land was looked upon with disdain, by a Maine 

 man in years past, it was the white birch lot. It is not the best fuel 

 though burning readily and making a good heat, but the farmers 

 had the idea that the land in which it grew was worthless for tillage. 

 A white-birch country that can be reached by the railroads is not 

 in the market to-day in this State. An immense industry has been 

 developed within a few years, using the wood of the white birch. 

 Most of the establishments are called "Novelty Turning Works,'* 

 or something of the kind, and if you could go through these works 

 and see the spools, boxes, toy pails, handles, etc., being turned out 

 3'ou would appreciate the aptness of the name. White birch logs 

 delivered at these mills are worth from $3.f)0 to $4.50 per cord. 

 The Industry gives employment to a large number of men and 

 women. 



Other woods still are in great demand, and growing out of their 

 use important industries have been built up, but I have not space to 

 mention them in the limits of this paper. To some extent the forests 

 have an influence in tempering extremes of drouth and heat, though 

 much has been said by men interested in forestry upon the subject 

 is not sustained hy facts. It is not my purpose, however, to discuss 

 this but rather to impress upon you the importance of preserving our 

 forests for the great industrial wealth they are contributing to our 

 thrift^' people, 



THE PRESERVATION OF THE FORESTS. 



We come now to the preservation of our forests. It is my object 

 to point out only such means of preservation as are within the reach 

 of those owning large or small tracts of woodland. It is so clearly 



