1902. 



FORESTRY AND IRRIGATION. 



Hemlock differs greatly from the eastern 

 species, whose deficiencies in these re- 

 spects are its chief drawbacks. Western 

 Hemlock cannot be classed in strength 

 with Oak, Red Fir, or Longleaf Pine, nor 

 is it suitable for heavy construction, es- 

 pecially where exposed to the weather 



region and the realization that its sup- 

 ply is limited, has created an interest 

 in the long-despised Western Hemlock. 

 This species forms 13 per cent of the 

 forests of Washington and is abundant 

 in many parts of Oregon. Apparent 

 inability to utilize it is one of the most 



serious factors in the local lumber prob- but it possesses all the strength requisite 

 lem. Were it practicable for the Hem- for ordinary building material, 

 lock to stand unharmed un- 

 til it became established in 

 the market, there would be 

 less cause for inmiediate 

 concern ; but, seldom grow- 

 ing in pure stands, the 

 Hemlock, in mixture with 

 the Red Fir, Spruce, and 

 Cedar now being logged, is 

 left standing by the lumber- 

 men to be destroyed by fire, 

 wind, or insects a com- 

 plete loss to the owner and 

 to the community. 



This waste is in line with 

 the histor_v of lumbering in 

 the Northeastern and Lake 

 States, but with more seri- 

 ous results and wnth less 

 justification. The Eastern 

 Hemlock is an inferior wood 

 and therefore was left uncut 

 until more valuable species 

 became scarce. The dis- 

 advantage of the Western 

 Hemlock has not been its 

 quality, but its confusion 

 with the eastern species. It 

 has been condemned with- 

 out trial, except by a few 

 who, realizing the difficulty 

 of convincing the market, 

 have manufactured, under 

 the names of Fir, Spruce, 

 or Alaska Pine, as much 

 Hemlock as thej^ dared 

 without fear of detection. 



The importance of bringing Hemlock 

 into the market on a large scale is now 

 being realized, and its .surreptitious u.se 

 is somewhat greater than it was for- 

 merl}'. There is still, however, a total 

 lack of organized effort, and practically 

 nothing is done to acquaint the con- 

 sumer with its merits. Mr. Allen shows 

 that in strength, ease of working, and 

 freedom from warp and shake. Western 



TYPICAL MIXTURE OF RED 

 BLACK HILI-S, 



FIR AND WESTERN 

 WASHINGTON. 



HKMLOCK, 



The author states that Western Hem- 

 lock is best adapted for uses which 

 require ease of working, a handsome 

 finish, and lightness combined with con- 

 siderable strength. It has been found 

 suitable for flooring, joists, and scant- 

 ling, laths, siding, ceiling, box shooks, 

 turned stock, newel and panel work, 

 woodenware, and paper pulp. It is, 

 however, for finishing and box manu- 



