feSSAY UPON REDWOOD. 9 5 



No unqualified statement in a general way can be ex- 

 pected to cover all cases, as we shall try to illustrate more 

 fully in the sequel ; but as board lumber it is classed with the 

 soft and light, also liable to split if carelessly nailed. Choice 

 curled-grain lumber takes a fine polish, and is very ornament- 

 al for cabinet and fancy finishing, and a thousand similar pur- 

 poses; as simply stained or only varnished, it is found far 

 preferable to paint ; these variegated, grain-sheened, and 

 delicately toned hues deepen to richer and darker shades 

 with age of these we shall treat more at large in our 

 concluding detail. The well matured heart-wood of the 

 base of these trees is so solid as to sink in water hence des- 

 ignated as " sinkers ;" * also as " butts," that is, for the few 

 " first cuts," as the logmen express it. These will last for 

 ages under the most trying circumstances, like the best 

 cedars and yews, as unnumbered examples would serve to 

 show. Yet timber taken from the upper part of the same 

 tree may prove perishable, or far less lasting ; and notwith- 

 standing it is softer, light and brittle, is well suited for shelt- 

 ered or inside work ; takes paint readily, or, as observed, var- 

 nished, is finer still; and, what seems quite remarkable, no 

 insects ever trouble any of it. From these observations it 

 would seem to be a great error, too common, to judge of or 

 choose timber by name rather than by selecting the proper 

 quality. 



The best practicable test for the purchaser in the lum- 

 ber market is the weight per square foot, board measure. 



Redwood logging, from its peculiar topography, has been greatly changed of late, on 

 accou it of the expensiveness by loss and otherwise, by steam, railroads, and horse or 

 cattle track tramways affording greater facilities and cheaper transit. 



