458 AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



red haw, white thorn, scarlet thorn, scarlet-fruited thorn, red thorn, 

 thorn, thorn bush, thorn apple, and hedge thorn. The fact is worthy 

 ol note that it is well known and is clearly recognized in every region 

 where it grows, though various names are given it. 



The red haw never reaches large size. In rare cases it may attain 

 a height of thirty feet and a diameter of ten inches, but it is usually less 

 than half that size. Where it grows in the open it develops a round 

 crown. The branches are armed with chestnut-brown thorns from an 

 inch to an inch and a half in length. The bright scarlet color of the fruit 

 gives name to the tree. It ripens late in September or hi October, and 

 at that time the tree presents a beautiful appearance. The branches 

 frequently remain laden with fruit after the leaves have fallen. 



The wood of red haw is of a high character and but for its scarcity 

 would have wide commercial use. It is among the heavy woods of this 

 country. A cubic foot of it, thoroughly seasoned, weighs 53.71 pounds. 

 The tree is of slow growth and therefore the annual rings are narrow, and 

 the wood is dense. The evenness and uniformity of the rings of yearly 

 growth make the wood susceptible of a high polish. The medullary 

 rays are very obscure in red haw, and for that reason the appearance of 

 the wood is much the same, irrespective of the direction in which it is 

 cut. In that respect it is similar to the wood of most members of the 

 thorn family usually being too small to be quarter-sawed. However, 

 even if the trees were large enough, quarter-sawing would bring out little 

 figure. 



Red haw is a lathe wood. It is well suited to some other purposes, 

 and has been used for engraving blocks, small wedges, and rulers, but 

 the best results come from the lathe. If it is thoroughly seasoned it is 

 not liable to crack or check, though cut thin in such articles as goblets 

 and napkin rings. The turner sometimes objects to the wood because 

 of its hardness and the rapidity with which it dulls tools. This draw- 

 back, however, is compensated for by the smoothness and fine polish 

 which may be given to the finished article. Red haw checker pieces 

 have been compared with ebony for wearing quality. In color the 

 ebony is more handsome, and on that account is generally preferred. 



Perhaps the most extensive use of red haw is in the manufacture of 

 canes. Most of the species of thorn are suitable for that purpose on 

 account of their weight, strength, and hardness. Red haw is not special- 

 ly preferred, but is used with others. As a source of wood supply, the 

 tree will never be important, but as an adornment to the landscape it 

 will always be valuable, and at the same time will fill a minor place in 

 the country's list of commercial woods. 



SUMMER HAW (Cratagus ccstwalis) is a southern species which 



