326 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



happen to be ordered in England by a Scottish architect, or in Scotland 

 by an English one, fiulher complications have arisen. 



In specifications issued for the use of decorative woods, and for such 

 work as hardwood floorings, the following are some of the kinds which 

 are named : 



Best quality Mouhnein teak. 



Best quality Spanish mahogany. 



Best quality Austrian wainscot. 



Best quality White Indiana oak. 

 It may be safely said that in the majority of cases where the above 

 woods are specified, the actual variety named is rarely obtained. SuppUes 

 of Moulmein teak have long been falling short. Spanish mahogany is 

 procurable, but it is more defective than other kinds, and more trouble- 

 some to obtain, and while it does not cost more per foot, the finished work 

 executed in it would be more expensive, and consequently it is little 

 used (see Mahogany, Spanish). A glance at the total imports of Austrian 

 wainscot wiU show the impossibility of fulfilling the requirements for this 

 article. Indiana white oak is a term for the northern white oak of 

 America, originally obtained from a comparatively limited area, the centre 

 of which was the State of Ohio. The supplies of this have practically 

 ceased, and have been replaced by oak which might be called almost any 

 shade except white. 



In reference to the questions of quality, a practical lesson can be 

 learned from the course adopted in America. In that country timber 

 is classified according to the rules of the National Hardwood Lumber 

 Association. The term " lumber " is used in America to describe all 

 kinds of timber which have been converted by the saw. These rules, 

 which are accepted by all, recognise that some defects are inevitable in 

 timber, and must therefore be accepted in a reasonable and practical 

 manner. The adoption of such a formula enables those concerned to 

 protect their different interests. Under the conditions of the Association, 

 all lumber is divided into what are known as standard grades. These are : 

 I. Firsts and Seconds. 

 II. No. I common. 



III. No. 2 common. 



IV. No. 3 common, etc. 



Firsts and seconds are combined as one grade. The various faults 

 of timber are specifically named under " Standard defects," and an exact 

 number of such defects is allowed to be included, in proportion to the 

 grading. Thus, bright sap is only considered a defect in such woods as 

 mahogany and walnut, where its appearance mars the effect of the timber, 

 and in such cases a very limited amount is allowed. One knot not 

 exceeding ij inches in diameter, or two knots not exceeding in extent 



