56 USES OF COMMERCIAL WOODS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



because the sapwood soon changed to a green color, due to fungus 

 attack, and decay followed. The wood was used, and still is used, both 

 in this country and in Canada and England for masts, spars, and deck 

 plank. The wood is resinous and wears well. It has been described 

 as midway between pitch pine and white pine. It is seen in cabins 

 and fittings of vessels. When the Canadian French made a beginning 

 in building a navy in the early history of that country they selected 

 Norway pine for masts, while the forests contained practically unlim- 

 ited supplies of other timbers. 



The use of this timber for masts in former years when it was 

 abundant was said to have been considerably lessened by the fact 

 that trunks were seldom quite straight. Perfect sticks compared 

 favorably with Danzic and Riga pine, and as late as 1875 its use in 

 the British navy was reported. 1 



About 1895 the city of Toronto laid a number of woods in block 

 pavement to test the lasting properties of different timbers in the 

 untreated state. Norway pine was so used, and the results were 

 favorable. White pine and Norway pine were rated equal both 

 were below northern white cedar, but above hemlock, sugar maple, 

 beech, and slippery elm. The poorest results were shown by the elm. 2 



Pump makers drew supplies from Norway pine 100 years ago. 

 Long, clear stock could be had without sapwood. The wood enters 

 into car construction, including sills, frames, and the running boards 

 on top of freight cars. It is sufficiently hard and strong for flooring, 

 girders, joists, windmills, and bridge timbers. It makes good panels, 

 but is occasionally objected to for doors and sash, because of its 

 tendency to warp and twist. On account of scarcity, Norway pine 

 has been obliged to retire from uses which it once filled, and its place 

 has been taken by yellow pine and cypress. Norway pine has been 

 suggested for posts, poles, and railway ties after receiving preserva- 

 tive treatment to hinder decay. 



Makers of agricultural implements employ this pine for many 

 parts, and it gives good service as sucker rods for windmills, and also 

 as slats and fans and for water tanks. 



BY-PRODUCTS. 



The resin content of Norway pine is sufficient to attract the pro- 

 ducer of turpentine and pine oil. At various points in Canada and 

 in the United States distillation plants have operated on Norway 

 pine stumps for these products. The resinous material is found prin- 

 cipally in the lower portion of the tree ; the part left in the stump is 

 in fact richer in these materials than any other portion. Because of 



1 Timber and Timber Trees, Thomas Laslett. 



8 Street Pavements and Paving Materials, G. W. Tillson. 



