124 ENGINEERING ON THE FARM 



Fir. Fir is yellow and red in color, light, straight-grained, 

 warps and cracks, and is used in framing and sheeting. 



Qualities of broad-leaved trees. Ash. There are two 

 species. They are light in color, heavy, hard, shrink 

 moderately, take a good polish, and are used for inside finish. 



Beech. The color is from white to brown. Beech is 

 heavy, hard, strong, of coarse texture, shrinks and checks, 

 and is not durable when placed on the ground. It takes a 

 good polish and is used for inside finish. 



Birch. Birch is white and red in color, heavy, medium 

 hard, does not warp, is not durable when exposed, and 

 takes a good polish. It is used for inside finish, floors, and 

 an imitation of cherry and mahogany. 



Chestnut. The wood is light brown in color, light, fairly 

 soft, not strong, coarse in texture, shrinks and checks, and is 

 very durable. It is used in interior finish and cabinet work; 

 also for cross arms on pole lines. 



Hickory. Hickory is white in color, very heavy, hard 

 and tough, straight-grained.' It cannot be nailed. It is 

 used for handles, wheels of vehicles, and parts of implements. 

 The second growth is tougher than the original. 



Elm. There are five species. The color varies from 

 brown to shades of gray and red. Elm is heavy, hard, 

 tough, cross-grained, shrinks and checks badly in drying, 

 and takes a high polish and a good stain. It is used in the 

 manufacture of implements. 



Gum. Gum is reddish brown in color, heavy, soft, 

 strong, of a fine texture, and warps and checks badly if 

 exposed. It is used for interior finish, furniture, and cabinet 

 work. 



Maple. Maple comes from the tree known as sugar 

 maple. It has creamy-white color, is heavy, strong, of fine 

 texture, shrinks moderately, and takes a good polish. It is 

 used for flooring, inside finish, and furniture. 



Oak. There are twenty different varieties, ten of which 

 are marketed as white oak and ten as red oak. White oak 



