KINDS OF WOOD 



25 



In 1915 the forests of Quebec produced approximately 6,156,000 feet board 

 measure of ash. In this respect the province of Quebec is reported to lead 

 the other provinces of the Dominion. The ash cut in Quebec is known generally 

 under two names, white ash (Fraxinus americana) and black ash (Fraxinus 

 nigra), although it includes a certain quantity of red ash (Fraxinus pennsylva- 

 nica) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. lanceolata). 



Fifteen different classes of manufacturers report ash, but the sash, doors, 

 and building material, and furniture industries use more than all the other 

 industries together. Ash leads in only one industry refrigerators but it 

 occupies a prominent rank in most of the industries using hardwood. 



The average price of ash material was $31.09 per thousand feet board 

 measure, cheese box manufacturers paying the lowest, $15, and machinery 

 makers the highest, $77.26. Manufacturers of cars imported most of their 

 ash supply from the United States, paying $65.32 per thousand feet. 



It is claimed that black ash is still fairly plentiful but that white ash is 

 getting very scarce. The choice white ash has been mostly cut. Home indus- 

 tries which demand a superior quality of white ash are already suffering from 

 a scarcity of this wood. 



Toughness and elasticity are the marked characteristics of white ash. 

 Its texture is fine and straight, although the wood is not particularly hard and 

 strong. The wood is not very durable but it seasons well and takes an attrac- 

 tive polish. Ash is often used as veneer in panelling for interior decorative 

 work, for doors, etc. 



On account of its tasteless and odourless qualities, ash is especially service- 

 able for baskets, barrels, boxes, etc., intended to contain food. 



White ash is especially used where strength and elasticity are required. 

 No other Canadian wood is reported that is equal to white ash for holding its 

 shape. Black ash is considered to have more decorative qualities than white 

 ash. 



Quebec purchased from the United States about 9 per cent of the ash 

 material consumed by its industries, and from Ontario 1-9 per cent. 



TABLE XIV TULIP TREE 



