270 INDUSTRIAL PLANTS 



Pine (Figs. 229-232, 25S) is used more ext(3nsively than 

 any other kind of wood, and finds a place in almost even'' 

 wood-working industry. The quahties wliieh give it this 

 pre-eminence are mainly that it works easilj', is never too 

 hard to nail (unlike oak or hickory), is for the most part 

 very dural^le on account f)f the preser^-ative effect of the 

 resin it contains, and, for the same reason, is not nmch sub- 

 ject to the attack of insects. Tlie several species which come 

 into the market are sold either as hard or as soft pine but' 

 the difference is not alwa^'s well marked. <S'o/< pine (mainly 

 white jjine) is the i)rincipal wood used in common carpentry, 

 and enormous ciuantities are consumed also in white cooper- 

 age, cabinet work, toj'-making, pattern-making, and ship- 

 building; and for crates, boxes, etc. Hard pine is most ex- 

 tensively used in heavy construction, especially for bridges 

 and similar exposefl work: and is uneciualerl for spars, masts, 

 planks, shii)-timbei-s, antl heavy beams. It has especial 

 advantages for flooring and exposetl stairways on account of 

 its durability. 



Larch (Fig. 259) is very like hard pine in appearance, 

 qualities, and uses. For ship's "knees" (/. c, angular braces 

 giving stiffness to the frame) the lower part of the tree as it 

 curves naturally when gnjwing i]i swam]>s has great advan- 

 tages. Owing to its duratjility the trunk is valuetl also for 

 telegrajjli-poles and railway-ties. 



Spruce (Fig. 200) resembles soft ])ine in ai)])earance and 

 (jualities and is c(jnnnonly ])ut to the same uses. Being re- 

 markably resonant it is preferred to all (jther wootls for the 

 sounding-boards of pianos, and the bodies of violins, guitars, 

 and similar stringed instruments. 



Red cedar (Fig. 2(51) has just the lightness, softness, and 

 even texture reciuired for lead-pencils; and is used in very 

 large quantities for that purpose, almost to the exclusion of 

 other woods. It also finds a place in cabinet work and for 

 cooperage; likewise for fence ]>osts on account (jf its unusual 

 durability in contact with soil. 



h'eiliniiod (I'"ig. 2(12) closely resembles red cedar in apjw'ar- 

 ance and C|ualities and has many of the same uses. Its great 

 durability makes it highly valued for shingles, and its large 



