WOOD-USING INDUSTRIES OF MARYLAND 



33 



nut in 1908, and $3.73 more than its run-of-mill value averaged for 

 the whole country. When beech becomes thoroughly seasoned, it ab- 

 sorbs water very slowly, and this greatly increases its value for the 

 backs of brushes that are used in damp places, such as scrub brushes. 

 These are sometimes made wholly of wood, the backs of beech, and 

 the bristles of palm leaf or some other wood fiber. Among other 

 brushes of which beech is often the back or body are those for white- 

 washing, paperhanging, and painting. Many kinds are not supposed 

 to encounter dampness, among such being clothes and hat brushes, 

 floor sweepers, blacking brushes, and brushes for currying horses. 



TABLE 12. Brushes. 



STORE AND OFFICE FIXTURES. 



The making of store and office fixtures is closely related to interior 

 finish on the one hand and furniture on the other. The exact lines of 

 separation are not always easy to determine. In the present instance 

 the reports of manufacturers were accepted as given, and what they 

 listed under the name of fixtures for office and stores were placed in 

 that industry, though perhaps in some cases the commodities could 

 with reason have been placed with furniture or with interior finish. 

 Generally, however, fixtures in this class are show cases, counters, 

 drug or sample cabinets, shelving, and certain kinds of seats and 

 benches, and other articles for special uses, or made to order. 



Only two industries in Maryland paid higher average prices for 

 lumber than was paid by the makers of fixtures. Tank builders and 

 makers of musical instruments paid more per thousand. The quantity 

 of wood demanded for office and store fixtures was small in compari- 

 son with some of the other industries, but a very high grade was de- 

 manded for most of the kinds used. The highest-priced black walnut 

 reported in the State was listed under this industry, but the quantity 



