AMERICAN "WOODS. 



87 



some minor attributes, such as color, taste, etc., are together sufficient, especially when the locality 

 is known from which the species came, and in the log pile the determination may by these means 

 be rendered possible when a single detached piece will leave us doubtful as to the species. In the 

 market the distinctions are often most uncertain, and a promiscuous application of names adds to 

 the confusion. To be sure, there is not much virtue in knowing the correct name, except that it 

 asMsts ns in describing the exact kind of material we desire to obtain. ]S T or is there always much 

 gained in being able to identify the species of wood, but that it predicates certain qualities which 

 are usually found in the species. 



In selecting material, then, for special purposes we first determine what species to use as 

 having either one quality which is foremost in our requirements, or several qualities in combina- 

 tion, as shown by actual experience or by experiment. 



l?i<z. 3— Diagram showing comparative progress of volume growth in average trees. 



The uses of the various woods depend on a variety of conditions. The carpenter and builder, 

 using large quantities of material and bestowing a minimum amount of labor on the greater part 

 of the same, uses those kinds which are abundant, and hence cheap, to be had in large dimensions, 

 light to ship, soft to work and to nail, and fairly stiff and insect proof—a combination represented 

 in the conifers. They need not be handsome, hard, tough, or very strong, and may shrink even 

 after they are in place. When it comes to finishing- woods, more stress is laid on color and grain 

 and that the wood shall shrink as little as possible. 



The furniture maker, who bestows a maximum amount of work on his material, needs a wood 

 that combines strength, and sometimes toughness, with beauty and hardness, that takes a good 

 polish, keeps joint, and does not easily indent. It must not warp or shrink when once in place, 

 but it need not be light or soft or insect proof or abundant in any one kind, and in large dimensions, 

 nor yet particularly cheap. 



