TIMBER OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA 113 



the Gulf of Mexico, and also in Canada, but it is now 

 getting very scarce. It is heavier, stronger, and more 

 durable than the walnut of Europe, is easily worked, and 

 takes a fine polish. Extensively used for gun stocks and 

 stair newels, cabinet work, doors and window frames, 

 dados, veneer, etc. ; it is tougher than mahogany and 

 very durable, and is commonly called American brown 

 walnut. The heart is of a dark brown or chocolate colour, 

 sometimes almost black ; aged trees of fine quality fetch 

 fancy prices, the wood sometimes possessing a figure some- 

 what similar to mahogany. It comes to the English 

 market in logs up to 24ft. long and 24 inches square, but 

 most of it comes in planks f inch thick and upwards. 



Probably more American walnut is used than any other 

 kind, and some of the best cornes from Indiana. 



The Butternut (J. cinera), often called white walnut, is a 

 smaller tree, only about 50 ft. in height and a foot in 

 diameter. The wood is much lighter in colour, not so 

 heavy or strong as the black walnut, but has something of 

 the same grain and when stained it is a very good imitation ; 

 it works smoothly, takes a good finish, is much used for 

 inside work, and is very durable. Annual rings in walnut 

 distinct, sapwood narrow and light in colour. 



Weight about 38 Ibs. per cubic foot. 



Basswood (Tilia americana), the American linden or lime, 

 grows in the Atlantic States and abundantly in the province 

 of Ontario, Canada. The wood is white or yellowish white, 

 of light weight, even grain, fine texture, stiff but not strong. 

 It is much used for cabinet work, carriage panels, carving 

 and wooden ware. It shrinks a good deal in drying, but 

 works and stands well in interior work. A good quantity 

 is sent to Great Britain in the shape of boards and used for 

 the cheaper class of furniture. Sometimes it is cut spirally 



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