UTILIZATION OF SYCAMORE. 23 
The grading rules for quarter-sawed sycamore are the same as for 
plain-sawed except that the combined grade of firsts and seconds 
and selects must show figure on one face not less than 90 per cent in 
the aggregate and the cuttings in No. 1 common and No. 2 common 
must show figure on one face. There is a slight difference also in the 
grade No. 1 common, the rules for plain sycamore allowing a large 
number of cuttings in the longest pieces. 
Association log grades have not been formulated for sycamore, 
since it is so largely purchased for special uses, and the value of any 
particular log depends to a great extent not only upon its size and 
quality but also upon what is to be manufactured from it. 
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 
Although neither a high-priced nor a plentiful wood, sycamore is 
well regarded for certain uses. It is particularly in demand for such 
containers as slack barrels and plug-tobacco boxes because it does 
not impart stain, taste, or odor, has a clean and pleasing appear- 
ance, is fairly strong, and works and seasons well. Quarter-sawed 
material is desirable for the outside finish of various products. 
There would be a good market for sycamore if a sufficient and 
constant supply could be- assured. However, on account of the occa- 
sional occurrence of the timber the supply is irregular, and recently 
there seems to have been less of it available than in former years. 
Red gum is being substituted for sycamore to a very large extent for 
tobacco boxes and slack staves, and, with improved methods in 
working and seasoning, has proved satisfactory to a degree, although 
it does not present so good an appearance. 
There will probably always be considerable though occasional sup- 
plies of sycamore available, since the tree occupies flood lands and 
areas along the streams not suitable for cultivation. Although many 
other trees are worth more in the market, sycamore is valuable to 
the agriculturist along streams for keeping his land from washing, 
and its growth should, therefore, be encouraged in such situations. 
Sycamore can usually be most readily disposed of in the log to 
factories making berry boxes, tobacco boxes, and slack cooperage. 
Large logs are, as a rule, not so valuable on account of large defects. 
Furniture factories usually afford the best market for sycamore 
lumber, both plain and quartered. Factories making inside finish 
materials also use comparatively large quantities. 
Owners of sycamore timber seeking a suitable market for their 
product should make inquiry as to possible local markets for the 
raw material, the firms that use it, the form desired at the factory, 
and the prices paid both for logs and for semi-finished products. 
They should also obtain information about specifications, the prep- 
aration of stock, seasoning, shipping instructions, quotations, etc., 
from different industries located in their vicinity. For information 
on local markets or those relatively near by, they should write the 
forestry officials of their own States. 
