UTILIZATION OF BLACK WALNUT. 83 



they are straight and first class in every way. Small figured logs also 

 are in demand. Trees should be felled by cutting as near the ground 

 as possible if the wood is sound, in order to get the advantage of the 

 extra length of large-sized material. 



The usual merchantable lengths are 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet. An 

 allowance of at least 2 inches over these lengths should be made for 

 trimming the lumber at the mill. Some firms allow odd lengths ; some 

 allow only certain proportions of lengths under 10 and under 12 feet. 

 Shorter lengths than 8 feet may be allowed when it is necessary to 

 cut the log short, if it is large and of good quality, and especially if 

 it is a figured or otherwise high-grade veneer log. Veneer logs 6 

 feet or even 4-| feet in length are accepted by some mills. 



Unless they are very large, logs for veneer manufacture preferably 

 should not have more than a 1-inch rim of sap wood. (PL XIII, fig. 

 2.) Three and even 2 inches of sapwood spoils the ordinary-sized log 

 for veneer. Open-growth timber often has much sapwood. If there 

 is a good amount of heartwood, and if it is not too defective, this 

 timber is often very valuable for veneer on account of the figure that 

 is generally present. 



Figured logs are now greatly in demand. Highly figured stump 

 or " butt " wood is especially valuable. However, few stumps have 

 the valuable wrinkle, curl, or roll figure. This figure is generally evi- 

 denced by a ridged surface under the bark. Panel lengths are 30 and 

 36 inches, and, if the figure extends over this entire length, the log- 

 is of much value. Stump wood, to be marketable, should be at least 

 20 inches in diameter at the small end and from 30 to 42 inches long. 

 Only the solid portion of the stump can be used, and the base should be 

 squared off by sawing. The root spurs along the side of the stump 

 should be cut off nearly flush with the surface of the trunk. (PI. 

 XIV, fig. 1.) The roots are sometimes used for hatracks and coat 

 racks, for hall trees, and for couch legs. Crotches are often of value 

 and should be cut about the same length as stump wood. 



Walnut logs are usually measured by the Doyle log rule. Table 

 27 gives the number of board feet in logs of different diameters and 

 lengths. Careful attention should be given to cutting the logs into 

 the most advantageous lengths. If it is practicable, logs should be 

 cut at a crook, crotch, or knot, in order to get as straight and clear 

 lengths as possible. (PI. XIV, fig. 2.) The amount of scale obtained 

 and the price ia&y vary with the method of cutting. For instance, 

 a log cut 16 feet long, having a diameter of 14 inches, and containing 

 100 board feet, on account of a marked taper in the upper 2 feet, 

 might measure 16 inches at a length of 14 feet. This would give a 

 scale of 126 board feet (over one-fourth more) at a price of, per- 

 haps, $10 a thousand more, on account of the greater diameter. This 

 does not mean that there is necessarily an advantage in cutting short 



