USES OF COMMERCIAL WOODS. 51 



silver maples when convenient, but the yield from them was only 

 half that from the sugar maples. To offset this, in a measure, the 

 -iigar from the former tree was white and of milder flavor than that 

 from the sugar maple. Large bowls for household use were occa- 

 sionally made of silver maple, but it was not a choice material for 

 that purpose and was not often taken when yellow poplar, cucumber, 

 or basswood was available. 



MANUFACTURING. 



Statistical reports of manufacturers do not usually separate this 

 wood from other maples. The industries which use the wood, how- 

 ever, are well known, as are the commodities into which it enters. 

 Furniture is important, and probably makes heavier demands than 

 any other industry. Sometimes articles are wholly of silver maple, 

 but often it forms only a part. In veneer work it is good core 

 material o^er which woods more costly or more attractive are laid. 

 In other cases it is the frame, the drawers, or the compartments, 

 while other woods are given the outside positions. This is true of 

 large tables in which oak, birch, or mahogany is visible, with the 

 interior of silver maple. Belonging in the same class are cabinets, 

 wardrobes, large chairs, bookcases, filing cabinets, hall clocks, and 

 bedroom suites. Silver maple is not thus employed because it is 

 better than other available woods, but because it will answer and is 

 convenient and cheap. It is much lighter and weaker than sugar 

 maple. Some prefer it because it is light. When it is made into 

 kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, ice boxes, and pantry shelves and 

 tables it is the outside wood. Its light color and clean appearance 

 are considered in selecting it for this use. Kitchen and camp chairs 

 are occasionally made of it, and it is found in the frames of cots and 

 couches, where its moderate weight is appreciated. The long, pliant 

 branches, an inch or less in diameter, bend easily and are much em- 

 ployed in making rustic porch seats and other outdoor furniture. 

 The manufacturers of lawn swings list the wood among their 

 supplies. 



Silver maple is quite satisfactory for interior finish for houses 

 and electric cars. Office and store fixtures, such as counters, shelv- 

 ing, partitions, show cases, and cabinets, are often made wholly or 

 in part of silver maple : and in quality it is only a little below sugar 

 maple for flooring, and is sometimes seen in parquetry, but its 

 tendency to change color with age must be considered when it is com- 

 bined with other Avood to form contrasts. Doors and door frames 

 and stair work draw supplies from it, and it makes excellent mold- 

 ing. In Louisiana the wood is liked for boat floors and in Michi- 

 gan for boat trim and stairways. It is a substantial wood and in 

 general use in the manufacture of agricultural implements. It does 

 not seem to be selected for this purpose because of special fit- 



