12 USES OF COMMERCIAL WOODS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



beams, girders, sills, sleepers, joists, trusses, rafters, columns, and 

 heavy floors, and planking. That wood is Douglas fir of the Pacific 

 coast. It has been said that lumber dealers do not always distinguish 

 between longleaf, shortleaf, loblolly, and Cuban pines, but longleaf 

 is the most important of the group. Its strength, stiffness, freedom 

 from defects, and its lasting properties fit it for many places in 

 heavy construction. The demand for pieces of unusual size is met 

 to a large extent by southern mills which cut this species. 



RAILROAD TIMBERS. 



In 1907 the railroads of the United States purchased 34,215,000 

 ties of southern pine. In 1908, largely due to the financial depres- 

 sion, the number fell off to 21,530,000, and decreased to 21,385,000 in 

 1909. It is impossible to tell what proportion was of longleaf, but 

 it is known that it was large. The cutting of ties in the southern 

 pine forests has caused much waste. It has been estimated that not 

 less than 70 feet of lumber are sacrificed to procure one tie, which, at 

 most, contains not above 50 feet, and generally nearer 40. Ties are 

 usually cut from young trees. 



Builders of railroad bridges and trestles draw a large part of their 

 heavy timbers from the longleaf forests. The wood is preeminently 

 fitted for that use. It may be had in long pieces, free from serious 

 defects, and possesses great strength and stiffness. In addition to 

 that, it has enduring qualities which add much to its value. 



It is extensively employed in car building, to some extent for pas- 

 senger cars; but chiefly for freight. It is used for siding, lining, roof- 

 ing, flooring, beams, and frames. The timber's elasticity is its chief 

 value in car building. Sticks free from defects are often demanded 

 10 inches square and from 36 to 42 feet long. Elasticity adds value 

 to the crosstie also, for the wood must yield under weight and strain 

 and quickly recover its former shape and position. 



MANUFACTURE AND PRODUCTS. 



Southern pine has always had a place as interior finish in the 

 South, but until comparatively recent years it was not favored for 

 fine work, but was chiefly confined to kitchens, pantries, back stair- 

 ways, and similar places. It was nearly always finished in natural 

 colors, if finished at all; but when it was discovered that it took 

 stains well it quickly rose to importance and has attained wide use. 

 In the best construction, however, it has never reached a footing 

 equal to oak, chestnut, and birch. Immense quantities are made into 

 flooring, and manufacturers of window and door frames and 

 of sash and doors draw supplies of raw material liberally from 

 that source. It finds place as finish for kitchens, halls, libraries, and 



