Part 73. True Woods

Part 72. The following include the more important woods commonly used in this country:-

Sassafras - True Woods

Sassafras (Fig. 160) though neither hard, strong, nor especially pleasing, is exceptionally durable and comparatively light. Hence it is valued in cooperage, for skiffs, and for fencing. Chests made of the wood are said to be somewhat proof against insects on account of the peculiar odor which is supposed to be repellent to them.

Hickory - True Woods

Hickory (Fig. 30) is one of the very toughest and strongest of our woods, and has the advantage of being straight-grained. Its liability to decay or to be attacked by insects when buried or exposed makes it unsuitable for many purposes, but does not prevent its being an invaluable wood for carriage and wagon stock, for parts of implements and machinery, for tool-handles and timber-pins, and in harness work and cooperage. Several species are used.

Chestnut - True Woods

Chestnut (Figs. 24-26) though of less value than oak where much strength is required and of inferior beauty, is, on account of its great durability and ease of splitting, especially serviceable for fence rails and posts, poles, railway-ties, and cooperage; and it is strong enough to be of considerable use in heavy construction, and handsome enough to be substituted for oak not a little in cabinet work and interior finish.

Orange-wood - True Woods

Orange-wood (Fig. 106) although attractive, is available only in such small quantities that its use is mostly restricted to such minor articles as toothpicks, canes, and souvenir ornaments.

Olive-wood - True Woods

Olive-wood (Fig. 113) on account of its hardness and attractive coloring is prized for many small articles of turnery and carving and for other ornamental purposes.

Apple-wood - True Woods

Apple-wood (Fig. 91) for its similar compactness and uniform, close grain is likewise highly valued for tool-handles, mallet-heads, knobs, and other articles of turnery.

Fig. 239.-Transverse section of plum wood, 3/1. (Hartig.)