UTILIZATION OF ASH, 81 
PLANING MILL PRODUCTS. 
For flooring, ceiling, siding, stairs, window and door frames, cabi- 
net work, mantels, and interior fittings of all kinds, including picture 
frames and molding, ash is desirable because of its handsomeness 
of grain and figure, its polishing and wearing qualities, its compara- 
tive workability, and because it holds its shape well, is not lhkely to 
warp, and is strong. Old growth is uniformly superior to second 
growth for these purposes, because it retains its shape better, and 
because clear lumber, often of good width, which can best be secured 
from large, old-growth trees, is usually required, and strength is a 
secondary consideration. 
Ash used in this industry is secured from all three of the im- 
portant commercial species—white, green, and black. In proportion 
to its total cut, black ash probably contributes more than white or 
green. Black ash is used especially for ceiling, siding, flooring, and 
cabinet work; and most of the curly ash, highly prized for interior 
work, is from black ash. 
The cost of the ash lumber for planing-mill purposes, delivered at 
the factory, varies from $10 in Arkansas to $70 in California. The 
average price is about $31. Stumpage prices cf ash to be used for 
planing-mill products are much the same as for ash to be used for 
rough lumber and range from $3 te $15, with an average of about 
$9 per thousand. 
REFRIGERATORS AND KITCHEN CABINETS. 
Ash is much used in the construction of refrigerators and kitchen 
cabinets on account of the same quality that make it desirable for 
dairy use; that is, the absence of any odor which can be absorbed by 
food. It is also desirable because it works well, holds its shape well, 
is strong and fairly durable, finishes well, and makes a handsome 
extericr. A little over 50 per cent of the total ash used in this in- 
dustry is consumed in Michigan alone, and 22 per cent in Wisconsin. 
Probably black ash is most used; white ash is used to some extent, 
and green ash but little, because it 1s too far away from the factories. 
The price paid for ash used in this industry ranges from $24 to 
$46, and averages about $30 per 1,000 board feet. 
FURNITURE, CHAIRS, AND CHAIR STOCK. 
Ash is a desirable furniture wood because it has a handsome grain, 
especially old-growth black ash, finishes well,and takes a high polish; 
also because it is strong, fairly hght, easily worked, has excellent 
bending qualities, and retains its shape well. In amount used it 
does not rank high among the species that go into this industry, be- 
cause of its comparative scarcity and the high price it commands for 
