84 



WOODPECKEKS IN RELATION TO TREES. 



THE MAPLE FAMILY (ACERACE,E). 



Defects due to sapsuckers have been observed in the wood of five 

 species of maples, in three of which they are objectionable and may 

 cause lowering of the grade of lumber. The defects vary from small 

 to large brown stains, sometimes accompanied by long lighter stains 

 and by ornamental curled grain and bird's-eye (figs. 9 and 10 and PL 

 IX, figs. 4 and 6). They have been fully discussed in one species, 

 the sugar maple, on pages 58-61. 



Species of Acerace^e blemished. — Acer rubrum (A. M. and F.), 

 A. drummondi, sugar maple, black maple, and box elder (Fairfax 



County, Va., and 

 Longbridge, La.). 



THE BUCKEYE FAMILY 



(.ESCULACEiE). 



One species is 

 known to be marked- 

 ly blemished. 



Ohio buckeye 

 {JEsculus glabra). — A 

 sample of bird-pecked 

 buckeye shows a large 

 stain, and the wound 

 has not been closed 

 by a year's growth. 

 This indicates that 

 conspicuous defects 

 result from sapsucker 

 work in this wood. 

 Buckeye has not long 

 been put to important 

 uses, but its easy working qualities and beaut} 7- are sure to create a 

 greater demand for it. It is even now largely used for pyrography, 

 for which no stained wood can be sold. 



THE BUCKTHORN FAMILY (llHAMNACEiE). 



In the wood of two small trees of this family sapsuckers are known to 

 produce defects varying from small dark brown stains to large stains 

 and knotty cavities. The woods have no commercial importance. 



Species of Rhamnace^e blemished. — Cascara sagrada and 

 California lilac. 



THE BASSWOOD FAMILY (TILIACE.e). 



Defects consisting of large open checks and black stains (PI. IX, 

 fig. 7), i\uc to sapsucker pecking, have been observed in the wood of 



^^. v 



Fig. 34.— Effects of sapsucker work on wood of holly (Ilex cassine). 

 Stains and soft-walled fissures. 



