BLEMISHES IN OAK, BEECH, AND CHESTNUT. 



73 



h 



in oak (present in specimens of 14 of the 19 species examined) 

 effectually spoil the wood for tight cooperage, one of its most 

 valuable uses. 



White-oak lumber is extensively used for ornamental purposes 

 and yields the largest returns when so used. It is veiy carefully 

 graded, and the inspection rules of the National Hardwood Lumber 

 Association specify that "stains and streaks in oak are a serious 

 defect, and inspectors are cautioned to be careful in estimating their 

 damage to pieces, as ofttimes they will reduce them below the grade 

 of firsts and seconds." Reduction in grade means the loss of about 

 30 per cent from the best selling price. A great deal of white oak is 

 cut into veneers for finishing purposes, and knots and stains are 

 very objectionable. At a veneer plant in Winston Salem, N. C, 

 visited by the writer, all the material showing sapsucker work was 

 found among the lowest grade or cull stuff. 

 Although the cause of the defects was unknown 

 to the millmen, it was evident that blemishes 

 due to sapsucker work are incompatible with 

 liigh quality in white-oak veneer. 



Beech (Fagus grandifolia). — A piece of this 

 wood winch is not large enough to include the 

 original wounds shows a distinct curl in the 

 wood. The bark has healed with a strong in- 

 ward projection, which has produced a depres- 

 sion in each new wood layer. The original 

 sapsucker holes were from a fourth to half an 

 inch apart, but the ridge on the inner side of 

 the bark is continuous, with slightly elevated 

 tubercles under the punctures. In such a case, 

 if the sapsucker work is old and many annual 

 rings have been curled, so that the stains can 

 be avoided in sawing the wood, the effect of the bird's work is to 

 enhance the value of the wood for ornamental purposes. However, 

 unless these conditions are met, ornamental features do not mitigate 

 the effect of certain blemishes that are produced. Gnarly growth 

 takes place at the original wound, which is only partly filled and is 

 surrounded by very black stain. A lighter brown stain also extends 

 some distance along the grain. These blemishes are so decided that 

 they would certainly be cause for lowering one or more grades the 

 lumber cut from this tree. (Specimens from Morgantown, W. Va.) 



Chestnut (Castanea dentata). — Sapsucker work in chestnut pro- 

 duces large (three-fourths by one-fourth inch) cavities, black stained, 

 and partly filled by loose, black, knotty growth (fig. 22 and PI. IX, 

 fig. 8.) The wood is weakened by these cavities, as is shown by its 



Fig. 22.— Effects of sapsucker 

 work on wood of chestnut 

 ( Castanea dentata). Large 

 gnarly checks. (From Hop- 

 kins.) 



