20 



SELLING WOODLOT PRODUCTS ON MICHIGAN FARMS. 



These were average prices. Sometimes dealers in veneer logs receive 

 as high, as $45 or |55, depending on size and quality, for mixed oak 

 logs, but the dealers rarely pay more than the above prices for their 

 material. Farmers favorably situated may be able to command better 

 prices for large, sound, symmetrical logs. The veneer indnstry re- 

 quires the highest class of logs and on an average pays a better price 

 for such logs than other industries. An exception is high grade oak 

 and sycamore logs for quarter-sawing, which may bring even higher 

 prices. 



Nearly all the native species are used for veneer. Veneer from such 

 woods as basswood and elm is used chiefly for the manufacture of 

 boxes, crates, and other packages. The furniture and finishing indus- 

 tries pay higher prices and use the high-class finishing woods, such as 

 oak, walnut, and cherry. Several companies make both kinds of veneer. 



Handles 



The factories manufacturing wooden handles of various kinds are one 

 of the very best markets for farm hardwoods. Hickory and ash bring 

 the highest prices, but maple and beech furnish the greatest amount of 

 raw material. In 1911, according to reports received from Michigan 

 handle manufacturers by the Forest Service, the following prices were 

 paid for the rough materials (logs, bolts, and split billets). The pro- 

 portion which each species formed of the total cut is also shown : 



Undoubtedly other species, like basswood, cherry, applewood, etc., 

 were used in small amounts, but these were not listed by the firms which 

 reported. 



The form of raw material required by establishments manufacturing 

 different kinds of handles naturally differs a great deal. Hickory, for 

 example, goes into short and medium length handles, such as axe, pick, 

 and hammer handles; ash is used for longer handles requiring greater 

 stiffness, such as those for forks, hoes, and rakes. Broom handles take 

 a large part of the maple and beech logs. Small tool handles are made 

 of a variety of woods, some of them requiring special kinds; plane 

 handles, for example, are made very largely of applewood. Where 

 strength is a requisite, second-growth wood is often specified. Thus, in 

 the manufacture of cant hooks and peaveys, second-growth msple and 



