SUGAR PINE. . 21 



Table 14 shows the amount of sugar-pine lumber used in various 

 California industries during the year 1910. Exact figures for all indus- 

 tries are not available, but those in the table are sufficiently acciu-ate 

 to give a fairly reliable indication of the value of the species for various 

 pm-poses. It will be noted that a large percentage of the box lumber 

 is used locally. 



With the advent of the sawmill in California, the more accessible 

 stands of sugar pine were eagerly sought by the lumbermen because 

 of the superior quality of the lumber. Its durability, lightness, and 

 softness as compared with other available woods led to its use for 

 shakes, flumes, sluice boxes, bridges, houses, barns, fences, and 

 numerous other purposes. Shingle manufacture has to some extent 

 replaced shake making. The early demand created by the fruit 

 industry for trays and boxes was met largely by the sugar-pme mills. 

 With increased use prices were stimulated, good grades increased in 

 value, and the lower grades were utilized in box making. Because 

 of its color, lightness, and freedom from taste and odor, sugar pine 

 has remained a favorite with raisin packers. Some mills work a por- 

 tion of then' output into raisin trays, some specialize in raisin boxes, 

 and nearly all utihze their poorer grades for box shocks or dispose of 

 them to box makers. About 65,000,000 feet are used in California in 

 bridge construction, sluicing, dimension stock, and general building 

 material. 



Because of its straightness, softness, freedom from warpmg and 

 shrinkage, splendid service when exposed to weather, and fine finish- 

 ing quahties, sugar pine is a very important wood in the manufacture 

 of special-order sash, doors, and blinds, decks of boats, and general mill- 

 work. These same qualities make it valuable for frames and stair- 

 work. For pattern and model making, which require woods easily 

 worked, glued, and nailed, it is a close second to white pine. Fixture 

 manufacturers use it for altars, beading, show cases, counters, veneer 

 cores, shelving, and drawers. Freedom from taste and odor make 

 it especially valuable for druggists' drawers, for compartments for 

 spices, coffee, tea, rice, sugar, and other provisions, and for shelving. 

 Furniture manufacturers turn it into backing, built-in dressers, side- 

 boards, carved work, core stock, table frames, and tops. Tanks, hot- 

 grease vats, troughs, and water boxes, requiring freedom from taste 

 and permanence, are frequently of this wood. Its lightness rc^com- 

 mends its use for special trunks and sample cases. Its straight grain 

 and permanence give it a place in the manufacture of piano and pipe- 

 organ keys and actions, and player pianos; and the same qualities, 

 together with lightness, place it among the best woods for drawing 

 boards and extension level rods. 



Largo quantities aro used by planing mills in the manufacture of 

 cut siding, int<;rior finish, and moldings. It takes readily the finest 

 enamel finish. 



