Species of Timbers 51 



The home-grown supply is comparatively small. A certain 

 amount is imported from France ; but probably the best timber is 

 grown in Russia, where the largest diameter of stem is produced. 



// is used for shoemakers' lasts and pegs j cogs and bearings 

 in certain machinery, mallet heads, tool handles, etc. 



LIME. The timber is soft and easily split ; the pith rays are 

 fine. This wood is easily distinguished from that of the sycamore 

 by the absence of the lustre seen in the rays of the latter species. 



It is used for turning, carving, founders' patterns, and as blind 

 wood in furniture and under veneer. 



OAK. The best timber is durable, hard, heavy, capable of receiv- 

 ing a high polish, and is always in great demand. The wood of the 

 sessile species usually has narrower annual rings, and, being softer 

 and more easily worked, is preferred for those purposes where 

 durability is not the primary object. Speaking generally, coarser 

 but more durable timber, with broad annual rings, is obtained from 

 trees growing in an isolated position ; and finer-grained, but 

 frequently more ornamental, timber is produced by trees growing 

 in a dense wood. The timber is employed for a variety of purposes. 

 For all constructional works where strength is important, the oak 

 stands pre-eminent. 



Its principal uses are : — Panelling, furniture, flooring, gate- 

 posts, joiners' and carpenters' work, staves for casks, etc. 



SYCAMORE. The value of the timber depends largely on its 

 size and colour. It is compact, durable under dry conditions, and 

 capable of receiving a high polish. It splits evenly, and there is little 

 difference in colour between the younger and the older rings. 



In some cases, numbers of trees from the same wood are found 

 to be discoloured when cut, which largely lessens their value. This 

 may be due to local variations in the soil. 



Its principal uses are for cabinetwork and furniture (especially 

 panelling), wooden dishes, shop-boards, wooden type, and turnery 

 generally. When of sufficient size and straightness it is employed 

 for calico-printing rollers, and it realises a good price for this purpose. 



An abnormal disposition of the grain is sometimes found and is 

 highly valued, especially for the backs of fiddles. 



