THE TIMBER OF EXOTIC CONIFERS. 



117 



account of its elasticity. It is quite equal to the Larch, and not 

 unhke the wood of that tree, though as yet its durabihty in con- 

 tact with a moist soil has to be proved. Except in that case, 

 what is known of the timber of this tree grown in this country 

 proves it to be valuable. The wood is of a yellowish- white 

 colour, fine-grained, and takes a good polish ; the saplings 

 make first-class ladders for slaters, plumbers, and the like, much 

 lighter and stronger, and in every way more reliable, than the 

 Norway Spruce. Value 200. 



Abies canadensis. — The wood of this tree resembles the 

 foregoing generally ; is less elastic, but better adapted for house- 

 fittings. The wood when old is hard, fine-grained, and stains dark 

 brown under treatment with French-polish or varnish. Good for 

 railway-line posts and housework. Value 75. 



Abies Douglasii. — The timber of this valuable tree resembles 

 very much that of the Larch, though not so very strong or heavy 

 as that timber, owing no doubt to its very rapid growth. It is 

 capable of being profitably used in all works in which Larch is 

 used, except for boat skins, riddle and basket making. The wood 

 is extremely easy to work, and when dressed does not warp and 

 twist like the Larch. It takes varnishing well, and polishes to a 

 rosy-brown colour. There is little doubt that wood from trees 

 well matured by age will be quite equal in every respect to that 

 of the Larch, and can be used in all architectural work where the 

 yellow and other Pine timber could be used, and with much 

 better effect owing to its colour. For Gothic roofing, principals, 

 purlins, and sarking it cannot be equalled. Value 225. 



Abies Menziesii. — The timber of this tree at first sight 

 resembles the common or Norway Spruce {Abies excelsa), but a 

 closer acquaintance prove it to be a much more valuable wood 

 than the latter, being tougher and much easier worked. The 

 common uses of the wood are roofing and fittings of agricultural 

 and other buildings, and for lining rooms on the " lap joint " 

 system. Massive dining-rooms, studies, &c., done with this wood 

 are extremely beautiful, and examples of the work are to be seen 

 in the Birnam Hotel, near Dunkeld, and several of the best 

 houses on the Murthly property. The wood is easily worked, 

 though similar to common Spruce, and is suitable for piles, 

 aqueducts, staves and headings for dry-goods casks, as also 

 packing-cases, and where closely grown is suitable for herring- 

 barrels. Value 220, 



