140 



Table 93. Wood for Gates and Fencing, year ending June, 1912. 



CLOCK CASES. 



In the quantity of wood consumed, the manufacture of clock cases in Penn- 

 sylvania is one of the minor industries. However, since wood is only one 

 of a number of materials required, it is not a fair basis for comparison. Clock 

 makers report the use of lumber for mantel and wall clocks, and to a limited 

 extent for large hall and grandfather clocks. Mahogany is the principal 

 wood used and represents over 50 per cent, of the total. This is the only in- 

 dustry in which an imported wood leads the list of species. Next to ma- 

 hogany, the oaks were in the largest demand for the exterior work of wall 

 clocks finished natural or darkened by fumes or stain to produce the mis- 

 sion effects. 



The backs of cases of all kinds and the bottoms of mantel clocks are not 

 visible and are therefore made of cheaper wood. Yellow poplar and bass- 

 wood met this demand because they hold their shape and are easy to work 

 and nail. Yellow poplar is also called on to a limited extent for the base or 

 backing of enameled work. The art of enameling wood has made rapid 

 progress of late years and imitations are made not only to resemble foreign 

 woods but also marble and other materials. 



Veneer takes a prominent place in this industry, both as a finish and as 

 layers in 3-ply built-up stock used in making clock cases. The appearance of 

 chestnut and yellow poplar in the table is accounted for in this form. In re- 

 gard to the price shown for red gum, it should be noted that it was used for 

 finish or exterior work and as it is frequently found beautifully modeled with 

 figure and color similar to Circassian walnut it furnishes a substitute for that 

 wood for finish. 



