lyS 



THE PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF JVOOD. 



The American or Bald Cypress (^Taxodium distichuni) is a 

 tree of considerable importance. It grows in the South 

 Atlantic and Gulf States, on submerged lands or in deep 

 swamps where unusual logging methods are necessitated. The 

 seasoned wood resembles white cedar in that it is soft, light, 

 and very durable. It has been called by many names. Pieces 

 were once called black or white cypress 

 according as they sank or floated. All 

 dark pieces are now called black cypress. 

 The tinted woods of some localities are 

 called red or yellow cypress. The name 

 bald cypress was caused by the leafless 

 appearance of the trees in winter. The 

 living trees are subject to a peculiar fung- 

 ous disease, causing numerous cavities 

 in the wood. These so resemble per- 

 forations made by small pegs that the 

 wood is termed "peggy. " The trouble 



-'^^i^^m 



'm^ 



Bald Cypress ( Taxodium 

 distichiun'). 



ceases as the trees are cut, and the wood 

 is then as durable as that from perfect 

 trees. About one third of the standing supply is thus 

 affected.* The roots frequently project upward above the 

 surface in what are known as cypress knees. The single 

 species of this genus may easily be recognized by its deciduous 

 foliage; the little leaves are separated and are not in tufts as 

 with the tamaracks. 



* U. S. Forestry Circular No. 19 (Dr. B. E. Fernow, Chief). 



