UTILIZATION OF ASH, 31 



PLANING MILL PRODUCTS. 



For flooring, ceiling, siding, stairs, window and door frames, cabi- 

 net work, mantels, and interior fittings of all kinds, including picture 

 frames and molding, ash is desirable because of its handsomeness 

 of grain and figure, its polishing and wearing qualities, its compara- 

 tive workability, and because it holds its shape well, is not likely to 

 warp, and is strong. Old growth is uniformly superior to second 

 growth for these purposes, because it retains its shape better, and 

 because clear lumber, often of good width, which can best be secured 

 from large, old-growth trees, is usually required, and strength is a 

 secondary consideration. 



Ash used in this industry is secured from all three of the im- 

 portant commercial species — white, green, and black. In proportion 

 to its total cut, black ash probably contributes more than white or 

 green. Black ash is used especially for ceiling, siding, flooring, and 

 cabinet work; and most of the curly ash, highly prized for interior 

 work, is from black ash. 



The cost of the ash lumber for planing-mill purposes, delivered at 

 the factory, varies from $10 in Arkansas to $70 in California. The 

 average price is about $31. Stumpage prices of ash to be used for 

 planing-mill products are much the same as for ash to be used for 

 rough lumber and range from $3 to $15, with an average of about 

 $9 per thousand. 



REFRIGERATORS AND KITCHEN CABINETS. 



Ash is much used in the construction of refrigerators and kitchen 

 cabinets on account of the same quality that make it desirable for 

 dairy use; that is, the absence of any odor which can be absorbed by 

 food. It is also desirable because it works well, holds its shape well, 

 is strong and fairly durable, finishes well, and makes a handsome 

 exterior. A little over 50 per cent of the total ash used in this in- 

 dustry is consumed in Michigan alone, and 22 per cent in Wisconsin. 

 Probably black ash is most used; white ash is used to some extent, 

 and green ash but little, because it is too far away from the factories. 



The price paid for ash used in this industry ranges from $24 to 

 $46, and averages about $30 per 1,000 board feet. 



FURNITURE. CHAIRS. AND CHAIR STOCIC 



Ash is a desirable furniture wood because it has a handsome grain, 

 especially old-growth black ash, finishes well, and takes a high polish; 

 also because it is strong, fairly light, easily worked, has excellent 

 bending qualities, and retains its shape well. In amount used it 

 does not rank high among the species that go into this industry, be- 

 cause of its comparative scarcity and the high price it commands for 



