BALD CYPRESS 217 



that amount. The one shown in the illustration has exceeded 

 that. 



The wood is generally straight-grained, but not always, 

 light, soft, easily worked, not strong, and very durable 

 when exposed. The heartwood is from light to dark brown 

 in color, frequently with dark streaks, with light- 

 colored sap wood. The medullary rays are very small and 

 indistinct. There is frequently a marked difference in color 

 between spring and summer wood. It is used for general 

 construction, interior finish, greenhouse and hotbed sash, 

 cooperage, shingles, fence posts, railroad ties, and any pur- 

 pose where light, durable wood is required. It takes paint 

 and glue well, but does not give a fine finish when varnished, 

 showing a dull, dark, monotonous surface. A fungus dis- 

 ease pits much of the wood, but as in the case of a similar 

 disease in the White Cedar, it stops when the trees are 

 felled. Thus far it has been artificially grown entirely for 

 ornamental purposes, and nurserymen find little difficulty 

 in propagating it. Being a swamp tree, ground that can be 

 kept moist should be chosen for a seed-bed. Treatment in 

 the nursery should be the same as for White Pine. The 

 cones should be gathered as soon as ripe, for they fall apart 

 soon thereafter. It is not a prolific seeder. 



As its natural tendency is to grow tall when in the open, 

 probably planting eight by eight feet apart in the forest 

 would be close enough ; but the distance should be regulated 

 by the character of the soil. If rich and moist nine by nine 

 feet, or even ten by ten, might do well. Everything done in 

 planting this tree in the forests will necessarily be experi- 

 mental, and therefore should be carefully conducted and 

 on a limited scale. As it is indigenous to this country only, 

 and no efforts have been put forth anywhere to grow it as 

 a forest tree, all work in that line will necessarily be with- 

 out a precedent. About all we know to a certainty concern- 

 ing its cultivation is that plants can be grown in a nursery 

 and transplanted into quite dry ground and thrive well, 

 and it will surely be safe to presume that they can be set 



