84 
WOODPECKERS IN RELATION TO TREES. 
THE MAPLE FAMILY (ACERACE^E). 
Defects due to sapsuekers have been observed in the wood of five 
species of maples, in three of which they are objectionable and may 
cause Lowering of the grade of lumber. The defects vary from small 
to la iltc brown stains, sometimes accompanied by long lighter stains 
and by ornamental curled grain and bird's-eye (figs. 9 and 10 and PL 
IX, figs. 1 and 6). They have been fully discussed in one species, 
the sugar maple, on pages 58-61. 
Spec iks of A< i:i;a< k.e blemished. — Acer rubrum (A. M. and F.), 
A. drummondi, sugar maple, black maple, and box elder (Fairfax 
County, Va., and 
Longbridge, La.). 
THE buckeye family 
(2ESCULACE2E). 
One species is 
known to be marked- 
ly blemished. 
Ohio buckeye 
(jEsculus gla bra ) . — A 
sample of bird-pecked 
buckeye shows a large 
stain, and the wound 
has not been closed 
by a year's growth. 
This indicates that 
conspicuous defects 
result from sapsucker 
work in this wood. 
Buckeye has not long 
been put to important 
uses, but its easy working qualities and beauty are sure to create a 
greater demand for it. It is even now largely used for pyrography, 
for which no stained wood can be sold. 
THE BUCKTHORN FAMILY (rHAMNACE^E). 
In the wood of two small trees of this family sapsuekers are known to 
produce defects varying from small dark brown stains to large stains 
and knotty cavities. The woods have no commercial importance. 
Species of Kiiamnaceje blemished. Cascara sagrada and 
California lilac 
THE BASSWOOD FAMILY (tiLIAC'FJE). 
Defects consisting of large open checks and black stains (PL IX, 
fig. 7), due to sapsucker pecking, have been observed in the wood of 
Fig. 34.— Effects of sapsucker work on wood of holly {Ilex cassine) 
Stains and soft-walled fissures. 
