24 WOOD-USING INDUSTRIES 



cypress is found in the greatest profusion, exclusive forests of it oc- 

 cupying large areas in swamps along the Mississippi. It is sometimes 

 called bald cypress, owing- to its 'bald appearance when it loses its 

 leaves in winter, and it is the only deciduous coniferous tree which 

 grows in Virginia that is reported in the lumber cut. Cypress is a slow 

 grower. The varied shades of color in cypress wood accounts for the 

 names "red cypress", "yellow cypress" and "black cypress" referred 

 to in different localities. The great durability of cypress and its ten- 

 dency not to shrink or warp makes it one of the most valuable woods. 

 It is, therefore, preferred for v;ood work exposed to the weather and 

 submerged at intervals under water. It is the foremost tank wood 

 and is growing in favor witih the coopers for making containers of 

 liquors. As cooperage stock or a package for food stuffs it does not 

 impart a flavor nor give coloring to the ingredients. 



SOUTHERN WHITE CEDAR 



Southern white cedar (Chamaecypayis thy aides) is an important 

 Virginia wood for further manufacture. More of it is used than in 

 any otiher State so far studied. It grows in swamps of the Tidewater 

 section with the cypress, cotton gum, water gum, and red gum, and 

 h^re it is said to reach its best development. The tree grows along the 

 Atlantic Coast as far north as New England, but it is of little commer- 

 cial importance above Maryland and southern Delaware. The wood 

 is durable when exposed, especially in damp locations and climates, 

 which accounts for the popularity of white cedar shingles for covering 

 seaside cottages and houses. 



HICKORY 



Eight species of hickory grow in Virginia and five of these are cut 

 in commercial quantities. Mockernut is probably most common, and 

 grows in all regions, while bitternut, shagbark anfd small fruited 

 hickories are found in the upper Piedmont and Mountain Regions. 

 Bitfternut hickory is the most abundant; the nuts are too bitter to be 

 edible, hence the name. It is probably the most widely distributed mem- 

 ber of the hickory family. Shagfoark is so named from the tree's bark, 

 which in the older trees hangs down in long strips. This tree yields 

 the best flavored nut of any of the hickories, and its fruit is commonly 

 seen in the markets. The small fruited hickory is far less frequent in 

 Virginia than the other species, and the nuts are too small for commerce 

 but are sweet and delicately flavored. Pignut is the most abundant 

 hickory tree in the northern States; in Virginia it grows in the moun- 



