CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 223 



extent, the timber is still used for decorative purposes in public buildings, 

 it no longer is sought for for such work. For floorings, however, it still 

 maintains a considerable reputation, although its use is somewhat 

 curtailed as such wood is generally required to be all rift sawn. Wood 

 so converted is wasteful and costly, and on this account floorings in- 

 tended to be laid in pitch pine are often superseded by other woods. 



The wood is very durable, and on this account and also because of its 

 large size and long length, it is in great demand for constructional work, 

 for which it is admirably suited in all respects. Used for piles on tidal 

 water, where timber is subjected to continuous wet and dry, its life is 

 from ten to fifteen years longer than that of Danzig or Memel pine. 

 It would be difficult to estimate its length of life for interior construction ; 

 but provided that good material is used and the timber is well ventilated, 

 it probably equals in durability that of any other soft wood. It is very 

 important, however, to take every precaution to see that the timber is 

 in good dry condition and, as far as may be possible, thoroughly ventilated. 

 There is at least one case on record where the joists which composed 

 the flat roof of a costly building, which was unfortunately improperly 

 ventilated, were reduced to powder within two years of the completion 

 of the building. There is evidence that under certain conditions pitch 

 pine readily falls a prey to the attack of dry rot. 



Among the supplies a very small proportion is occasionally found 

 containing very finely figured wood, the logs pelding a curly and twisted 

 grain which produces a very pleasant effect. This class of figured wood 

 was much sought for about thirty years ago, but only for a short 

 period, and although it is still occasionally asked for and used for these 

 purposes, the demand has now ceased. 



The timber is imported hewn and sawn square, generally without 

 description of quality ; also in planks which are described as " prime," 

 " rio prime," " merchantable," and " square edged and sound." 



Deals, planks, scantlings, and boards are imported under the terms of 

 " prime " or " rio prime," and a small quantity, which is shipped under 

 the description of " merchantable." Consequently the buyer of logs has 

 to depend entirely upon his knowledge regarding the port of shipment 

 and the reputation of the shipper, to determine what kind of quality 

 he may receive. In supplies of deals, planks, scantUngs, and boards he 

 is also somewhat in the hands of the shipper, inasmuch as, notwith- 

 standing the naming of qualities, a certain amount of uncertainty exists, 

 as inferior shipments soirietimes occur. 



Pine, Red. Pinus resinosa, Sol. North America. 



In America this is known as Norway pine. It is hard, relatively 

 strong, and is very similar to Baltic pine, though of a slightly redder 



