AMKRN'AN WOODS. 



105 



H. Pith rays not visible or else indistinct, even if viewed with magnifier. 



1. Wood very soft, white, or in shades of brown, usually with a silky luster C,,tl,,>,in m l ( )H > t ,1ar). 



ADDITIONAL XOTKS I'd]; DISTINCTIONS IN TI1K (iltorr. 



Cherry and birch are sometimes confounded. The higli pith rays on the cherry on radial sections readily distin- 

 guish it; distinct pores on birch and spring-wood /one in cherry as well as the darker vinous.l.rown color of the 

 latter will prove helpful. 



f ft b 



or 



Beech ' Sycamore I Birch 



l''i<;. 12. Wood of beech, sycamore, ami liireti. 



FIG. 13. Wood of maple. 



FIG. 14. Wood of elm. an-drlm; frwhiteelm; c winged t-lm. 



Two groups of birches can be readily distinguished, though specific distinction is not always possible. 



1. Pith rays fairly distinct, the pores rather few and not more abundant in the spring wood; wood heavy, 



usually darker Che>~ry birch and yelloir birch. 



1. I'ith rays barely distinct, pores more numerous and commonly forming a more porous spring-wood zone; 



wood of medium weight Cunoe or paper birch. 



The species of maple may be distinguished as follows: 



1. Most of the pith rays broader than the pores and very conspicuous Sugar maple. 



