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.
The tree of this name which is most extensively used in building work is the California laurel, which grows on the Pacific Coast and is seldom seen used in the eastern part of the country. The wood is hard, heavy, and strong, light brown in color, and of close grain. The sapwood is considerably lighter in color than the heartwood. The wood takes a very good polish and is quite gener-erally used on the Pacific Coast for cabinet work and interior finishing.
 
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