This section is from the book "Cyclopedia Of Architecture, Carpentry, And Building", by James C. et al. Also available from Amazon: Cyclopedia Of Architecture, Carpentry And Building.
This is a wood which is somewhat similar to white cedar in appearance, and which grows in quantities only in the southern states, where it may be seen in great swamps with the roots very often partially exposed. Although there are a great many varieties, they are similar in their general characteristics, differing only in quality. "Gulf Cypress," growing near the Gulf of Mexico, is the best. "Bald Cypress," is a name which has been applied to these trees on account of the fact that they show no leaves in winter and this gives them a peculiar appearance. When the wood is dark in color it is called "Black Cypress," and in some localities yellow and red cypress are spoken of. The growing trees are often affected by a disease which leaves the wood full of small holes which look as though they might have been made by driving pegs into the wood and then withdrawing them. Cypress wood affected in this way is called "peggy."
 
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