TIMBER OF TEE UNITED STATES AND CANADA 113 
the Gulf of Mexico, and also in Canada, but it is now 
getting very scarce. It is heavier, stronger, and more 
durable than the walnut of Europe, is easily worked, and 
takes a fine polish. Extensively used for gun stocks and 
stair newels, cabinet work, doors and window frames, 
dados, veneer, etc. ; it is tougher than mahogany and 
very durable, and is commonly called American brown 
walnut. The heart is of a dark brown or chocolate colour, 
sometimes almost black ; aged trees of fine quality fetch 
fancy prices, the wood sometimes possessing a figure some- 
what similar to mahogany. It comes to the English 
market in logs up to 24 ft. long and 24 inches square, but 
most of it comes in planks f inch thick and upwards. 
Probably more American walnut is used than any other 
kind, and some of the best comes from Indiana. 
The Butternut {J. cinera), often called white walnut, is a 
smaller tree, only about 50 ft. in height and a foot in 
diameter. The wood is much lighter in colour, not so 
heavy or strong as the black walnut, but has something of 
the same grain and when stained it is a very good imitation ; 
it works smoothly, takes a good finish, is much used for 
inside work, and is very durable. Annual rings in walnut 
distinct, sapwood narrow and light in colour. 
Weight about 38 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Basswood {Tilia americana) , the American linden or lime, 
grows in the Atlantic States and abundantly in the province 
of Ontario, Canada. The wood is white or yellowish white, 
of light weight, even grain, fine texture, stiff but not strong. 
It is much used for cabinet work, carriage panels, carving 
and wooden ware. It shrinks a good deal in drying, but 
works and stands well in interior work. A good quantity 
Ih sent to Great Britain in the shape of boards and used for 
the cheaper class of furniture. Sometimes it is cut spirally 
T. I 
