Qualities and Uses of the Woods of Ohio 
83 
Fuel Value. —As wood is used so largely for fuel, its value for 
this purpose is a matter of great economic importance. The real 
heating power of dry wood is directly proportionate to its weight. 
Light dry woods are more inflammable and give a quicker heat of 
short duration. Five pounds of wood yield as much heat as one 
pound of hard coal. A cord of green wood which contains on the 
average 45 per cent moisture, has but little more heating value than 
V 2 cord of well seasoned or air dried wood. The reason is that a 
cord of green wood contains about 250 gallons of water, and the heat 
required to convert the water into steam is lost to the general heating 
purposes. The heating capacity of unsound wood is reduced in pro¬ 
portion to the amount of wood tissue destroyed. The presence of 
gum or pitch increases the capacity to give off heat. The following 
Fig. 6. Remnant of a fine beech forest. The beech is rapidly disappearing in 
many sections of Ohio where is was formerly abundant. The growth of 
weeds and brush with the open conditions prevent further reproduction by 
natural means. 
woods have high heating capacity: hickory, beech, locust, ironwood, 
oak, ash, birch and maple. The following have low heating capacity: 
cottonwood, basswood, white pine, hemlock, and chestnut. 
Miscellaneous Qualities. —Among other qualities of woods that 
make them useful for certain specific purposes are,—resonance,—de¬ 
manded in wood used for musical instruments, and ‘^nail-holding’’ 
