202 AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



possesses a beauty which must bring it recognition as a fine furniture, 

 finish, and novelty wood. A few sawlogs go to mills in the region north 

 of San Francisco, but the lumber is probably mixed with other kinds 

 and it goes to market without a name. It ought to be put to a better 

 use. 



FLORIDA TORREYA (Tumion taxijolium) is often called Chatta- 

 hoochee pine in the region where it grows. That name is generally 

 given to the tree when planted for ornament in yards, parks, and along 

 streets of towns in northwestern Florida. It is known also as stinking 

 cedar, stinking savin, and fetid yew. These names are generally 

 applied to the forest-grown tree, particularly by those who cut it for 

 fence posts, which is its principal use. Its range is local, being confined 

 largely, if not wholly, to Gadsden county, Florida, where it grows on 

 limestone soil. It can never have much importance as a commercial 

 timber, because it is too scarce. In fact, it is in danger of extermination. 

 Post cutters never spare it, and its range being so limited, there is not 

 much hope for it. The interesting and beautiful tree is making a game 

 fight for life. Many seedlings appear in the vicinity of old trees, while 

 stumps, and even prostrate trunks, send up sprouts which, if let alone, 

 grow to tree size. Sprouts on logs and stumps send roots to the ground 

 as the seedling yellow birch does in damp northern woods. The yew-like 

 leaves of Florida torreya are one and a half inch or less in length. The 

 tree blooms in March and April, and the drupe-like fruit, an inch or 

 more in length, is ripe by midsummer. The tree is from forty to sixty 

 feet in height, and one to two feet in diameter. It is clothed in whorls 

 of limbs, beginning near the ground, and tapering to the top. The wood 

 is clear, bright yellow, the thin sapwood of lighter color; soft, easily 

 worked, and susceptible of fine polish. It is very durable in contact 

 with the soil. The green wood, and the bruised leaves and branches 

 give off an odor suggesting the tomato vine. The texture and color of 

 the wood indicate that it is well suited for fine cabinet work, but it is 

 not a figured wood. 



