4 BULLETIN 604, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
tion, however, vary widely with its quality and the use for which it 
is desired. As high as $75 per thousand feet board measure has 
been paid for select uppers, to be used as pattern stock and in cabinet 
work; but it is- often difficult to dispose of the lower grades at $8 
or $10 per thousand, prices which scarcely pay the cost of logging 
and manufacture. Table 5 shows the range of prices as they were 
quoted in 1912, and the average prices for the different grades. 
Table 5. — Selling price of incense cedar, by grades, f. o. 5. mill in 1912. 
Grade. Range. Average. 
Clears 
No. 1 common. 
No. 2 common ! 
Mill run 
§30 to $75 per 1,000 feet. 
§22 to S32 per 1,000 feet. 
$18 to §22 per 1,000 feet. 
$10 to $20 per 1,000 feet. 
§45 per 1,000 feet b. m. 
§27.50 per 1.000 feet b. m. 
§20 per 1,000 feet b. m. 
§15 per 1,000 feet b.m. 
1 Grades lower than No. 2 common are usually unmerchantable. 
The greater portion of the cedar that finds its way into the gen- 
eral market is used by builders for outside trim and interior finish. 
Its durability, easy working qualities, pleasing grain, rich color, and 
ability to take a good polish make it particularly desirable for these 
purposes. Sash and door manufacturers use it to some extent be- 
cause of its availability and cheapness, although in the aggregate it 
amounts to but 2 per cent of the total quantity of lumber consumed 
by this industry. It is used also in the manufacture of chests and 
wardrobes, the aromatic odor of the wood supposedly rendering them 
moth-proof. A small quantity is consumed annually for pattern 
stock, moldings, and raisin trays. Locally, incense cedar is used for 
dimension stuff and rough construction work, or for sills, culverts, 
sidewalks, bridge planks, etc., where cheapness or durability are 
important and the presence of dry-rot does not affect its usefulness. 
Cedar is used occasionally in the manufacture of crates and fruit 
boxes, but owing to its tendency to split in nailing it is considered 
undesirable. An attempt also has been made to utilize it in the man- 
ufacture of cigar boxes, but it was found that the oils contained in 
the wood imparted a disagreeable flavor to the cigars. 
In the early nineties there was a considerable demand for incense- 
cedar ties, and large numbers were hewn in Eldorado, Placer, and 
Xevada Counties. These ties brought 25 cents each and found a 
ready market at San Joaquin Valley points, where railroad construc- 
tion was then under way. As the size and weight of rolling stock 
increased, cedar was found to be too soft to stand the wear and tear, 
and its use was abandoned, except for logging roads and spurs where 
