smaller dimensions than the yellow pine, and of a soft and sappy 

 wood, they have, as timber trees, but a small value. On ac- 

 count of their rapid growth, they are, however, important re- 

 sources of fire wood, and'of a lumber of inferior quality, fit for 

 ordinarypurposes, as the manufacture of boxes, etc. 



Next to the yellow pine in importance, follows the Cypress — 

 Taxadium desticlmm. It grows in great abundance on the per- 

 petually overflowed banks of, and in the marshes skirting, the 

 rivers in the tide water region, as well as the deep inundated 

 swamps in the pine region from which issue the feeders of the 

 inumerable creeks that water the pine belt. Here, it reaches 

 gigantic dimensions — trunks from a hundred and more feet in 

 height, and from twenty-five to forty feet in circumference above 

 the conical base, are frequently met with in the forest swamps of 

 the Tensaw river. Logs, of three to four feet in diameter, are 

 often floated down to the shingle yards and saw mills of Mobile. 

 Its lumber finds a variety of application. It is mostly sawed into 

 planks^ for exportation, lately in increasing quantities ; much of it 

 is used in the manufacture of doors, window-sashes, and other 

 cabinet work, and in that of shingles. For posts, it is scarcely 

 rivaled, resisting the action of water for ages. 



The Juniper, — Cupressus tliyoides, is gaining, of late years, with 

 the manufacture of wooden ware, the attention which by the ex- 

 cellent qualities of its wood, it deserves. This fine tree is found 

 in great perfection on the low land skirting our great rivers, and 

 in the large forest swamps of the low pine barrens, preferring a 

 partially inundated soil. Soft, light, easily worked, of a fine 

 grain admitting of high' finish and pleasing hue, when well 

 seasoned its wood offers the finest material, particularly for the 

 manufacture of hollowware. This industry, lately established in 

 Mobile, is capable of great development, as by the inexhaustible 

 supply of timber within easy reach, such goods can be made 

 cheaper here than in any other part of the United States. 



The Live Oak— Quercus virens, has ceased to be a source of 

 timber here. The excellent Equalities of its wood, particularly 

 fitting it for ship building, has, like everywhere else on the Gulf 

 coast, led to a rapid destruction of the stately groves that ex- 

 tended along our seashore. It is only by the effort of the own- 

 ers of the land who have a love for that which is grand and lovely 

 in nature, that these beautiful and noble trees will be preserved, 

 and not cease to form one of the most pleasing features in the 

 landscape of our coast. 



The black jack, turkey oak, Spanish oak, upland willow oak, 



