506 AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



wood of this tree, it refers to the roots. These consist of enlargements 

 or stools, often protruding considerably above the ground. If the area 

 has been visited repeatedly by fire, the roots are generally out of pro- 

 portion to the size of the tops. In that respect they resemble mesquite, 

 except that the enlarged root of mesquite penetrates far beneath the 

 surface while that of mountain laurel remains just below the surface or 

 rises partly above it. 



The utilization of mountain laurel is not confined to the trunks 

 which reach tree size. Generally it is the root that is wanted. Roots 

 are usually sold by weight, because of the difficulty of measuring them 

 as lumber or even by the cord. The annual product of this material in 

 North Carolina alone amounts to about 85,000 pounds, all of which goes 

 to manufacturers of tobacco pipes and cigar holders. The use of the 

 laurel root for pipes is as old as its use for spoons. Pioneers who raised 

 and cured their own tobacco smoked it in pipes which were their own 

 handiwork. The laurel root was selected then as now because it carves 

 easily, is not inclined to split, does not burn readily, and darkens in color 

 with age. It is cheap material, is found throughout an extensive region, 

 and the supply is so large that exhaustion in the near future is not anti- 

 cipated. 



The wood is employed in the manufacture of many small articles 

 other than tobacco pipes. Paper knives, small rulers, turned boxes for 

 pins and buttons, trays, plaques, penholders, handles for buckets, 

 dippers, and firewood, are among the uses for which laurel is found suit- 

 able. 



It is of no small importance for ornamental purposes, and is often 

 seen growing in clumps and borders in public parks and private yards, 

 where its evergreen foliage and its bloom make it a valuable shrub. 

 It is planted in Europe as well as in this country. 



GREAT LAUREL (Rhododendron maximum) is also in the heath 

 family. More than two hundred species of rhododendron are known, and 

 seventeen are in this country, but only one attains tree size. The generic 

 name means "rose tree," and the name is well selected. The flowers are 

 the most conspicuous feature belonging to this species, and few wild 

 trees or shrubs equal it for beauty. It is not native much west of the 

 Alleghany mountains, but grows north and east to Nova Scotia. It is 

 at its best among the mountains, thrives in deep ravines where the shade 

 is dense, and on steep slopes and stony mountain tops. It forms 

 extensive thickets which are often so deep and tangled that it is difficult 

 to pass through them. This laurel is seldom found growing on limestone. 

 It reaches its largest size in the South. Trees thirty or forty feet high 

 and a foot in diameter occur in favored localities. It grows.on the Alle- 



