40 



AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS. 



are to be found on well drained sites throughout the territory south 

 of the Edwards Plateau to the lower Eio Grande River and north of 

 the Plateau through the Central Denuded Region to the Red River. In 

 its more northern extension, even within this range, the trees become 

 more dwarfed and the stands more scattering. In general the mesquite 

 is decidedly poor in form. Short, crooked stems with long, sinuous 

 branches give the tree a widespreading, straggly appearance. Mesquite 

 areas remind one most forcibly of long neglected orchards. It is prac- 

 tically impossible to secure straight logs as long as six to eight feet, the 

 average being more nearly two feet. Excessive crook is the primar} r 



Map 9 Distribution of Mesquite in Texas. 

 1 Area of heavier growth. 2 Area of scattered growth. 



factor in limiting the possible commercial use of the timber. Diameter 

 growth is comparatively rapid, ranging from four to six years to the 

 Fnch. Height growth is fairly rapid during early life but quickly cul- 

 minates and further crown expansion is lateral. This characteristic 

 gives a mesquite stand the appearance of even age although trees of 

 practically all ages may compose it. 



The wood, particularly the heartwood, is hard, brittle, close grained, 

 and extremely durable. At any age the narrow band of sapwood re- 

 main? practically the same width. Thus, in later life, the proportion 

 of heartwood to' sapwood is greatly in excess. In color the heartwood 



