St-P [MISC. puaa I COLUMBIA D :? W t t-f D T THE pRlTlSH COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT FOREST BRANCH VICTO RIA.B.C. HON. WILLIAM R.Ross MINISTEROF LANDS BRITISH COLUMBIA TIMBER (AND OTHER FOREST PRODUCTS) EXPORT^ British Columbia's Forest Resource WORLD SUPPLY FOR WORLD MARKET Issued bo Forest Branch, Dept. of Lands Victoria, B. C. HON. WILLIAM R. ROSS Minister of Lands TO IMPORTERS British Columbia has Timber in enormous quantities, in the largest sizes, unsurpassed in quality, suitable for prac- tically every use to which wood can foe put. British Columbia Mills are of the most modern type in capacity and equipment, and their products are of the best. This booklet is prepared to bring this information to the attention of importers in overseas markets. It treats in detail, therefore, chiefly with material for export by water. It describes briefly the forests and lumber industry of British Columbia, the principal timber trees, and the prin- cipal uses of the different woods. Further information of any kind will be gladly furnished by the Forest Branch, Victoria, British Columbia. Letters should be addressed: "Chief Forester, Victoria, B.C., Canada." Cables may be addressed : "Ross Fingener, Victoria, B.C., Canada," using Bentley's Code. THE TIMBER RESOURCES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA THE PACIFIC SLOPE FOREST The greatest forest region in the world, without excep- tion, is the Pacific slope of North America. It extends along the continent North and South for 2,000 miles, and from the Pacific Ocean Eastward to the Rocky Mountains. British Columbia occupies the North Central portion of the Pacific slope. This forest region contains over half the standing timber of North America. In its forests are the timber giants of the earth, world famous, oldest in years, largest in size, yielding the best and clearest timber obtainable and in the largest dimensions. The 'biggest and finest timber grows in the coast forests, from w'hich, because of their accessi- bility, all of the material for water export is obtained. The Pacific forests are composed almost entirely of softwood (that is, coniferous or evergreen) species, the few hardwoods rarely occurring in commercial quantities. This fact is an added advantage 'because softwood lumber, on account of its lightness, strength and ease of working, is the most useful for general purposes, and comprises over three- quarters of the world's wood consumption today. The trees most important are Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, Western W'hite Pine, Western Larch, Mountain Western Pine, Red- wood and Sugar Pine. All these species, except Redwood and Sugar Pine, are found and reach prime development in British Columbia. There are, in addition, a dozen or more species of lesser importance. BRITISH COLUMBIA'S FORESTS British Columbia occupies the Northern Central section of the 2,ooo-mile continental forest belt of the Pacific Slope. The forests of her coast and those on the watersheds of the upper Fraser and Columbia Rivers (the largest rivers of the Pacific Slope) are particularly fine. The stand of merchant- able timber in the Province is estimated to reach the enor- mous total of four hundred billion (400,000,000,000) feet board measure, which is over half the total of all Canada. T'he annual cut is at present in the neighborhood of only one and one-half 'billion (1,500,000,000) feet board measure. The forests can supply indefinitely a yield considerably greater than. that. THE LUMBER INDUSTRY OF THE PACIFIC SLOPE The lumber industry in the Pacific coast forests is con- ducted under the keenest competitive conditions. This is because of the enormous quantity of virgin timber and its distance from the great lumber markets of the world, such as Central and Eastern North America, the United King- dom, Europe, South America, and South Africa, where the Pacific Coast timber must meet and compete with that from Eastern North America and from Northern Europe. These factors, in conjunction with the extraordinary sizes of the timber to be handled, have resulted in the adop- tion and use of the biggest, most powerful and fastest machinery, the largest and finest mills, and the most effi- cient methods of logging and saw-milling to be found in the world. BRITISH COLUMBIA'S FACILITIES FOR EXPORT British Columbia occupies an especially advantageous position for supplying the overseas manket. It ihas vast quantities of timber unsurpassed in size, quality and suit- ability for the manufacture of all kinds of 'dimension timber, lumber, shingles, piling, poles, posts, railway ties or sleepers, pulp, paper and other wood products. There are numerous easily navigable inlets and channels indenting the coast and separating the many islands, which maikes the coast timber extraordinarily accessible. There are many deep water harbors suitable for mill sites, and many good water .powers. Some of them are now used ; more are still available. Because of the mild climate the harbors do not freeze in winter, and logging may be carried on the year round. A Tidewater Sawmill The mills are of the most modern type and have a capacity much greater than their present output. They are fitted with every appliance for shaping and finishing timber for final use. Their products include all kinds of dimension timber, lumber, shingles, posts, poles, piling, railway ties or sleepers, pulp, paper and other wood products. They are prepared to deliver these products in any size, shape, finish or quantity desired. Dimension lumber is a specialty, and can be supplied in all sizes and of a quality obtainable on the Pacific Coast of North America, and nowhere else in the world. British Columbia has a world supply for a world market. TRADE INQUIRIES The Forest Branch of British Columbia pays particular attention to market questions, and endeavors to encourage in every way possible the British Columbia export trade in lumber and forest products. The Branch will supply exact information on the strengths and other qualities of British Columbia woods, the uses to which they are adapted, and the general run of prices and stocks obtainable. Douglas Fir Creosoted Ties for India The position which this Branch occupies enables it to be particularly useful to both buyer and seller in distributing trade inquiries or requests for quotations. Importers or buyers can be assured that their enquiries will reach imme- diately all British Columbia manufacturers who might be interested. This service is, of course, free, and the timber trade is requested to take full advantage of it. Letters should be addressed : CHIEF FORESTER, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA Cables may be addressed : ROSS FINGENER, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA using Bentley's Code. THE PRINCIPAL EXPORT TIMBER TREES, THEIR QUALITIES AND USES Practically all the forest products at present exported by water from British Columbia are from the Coast forests. Four species Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Sitka or Silver Spruce make up the bulk of the Coast timber, and, therefore, of the exports by water. In this book only these four species are described in detail. There are, however, many other species in the Province, such as various Pines, Balsam Firs, Larch, Engelmann Spruce, etc., from which lumber is manufactured for the Eastern, prairie and domestic trade. Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce are all giant timibers. As a group they belong to the world's finest timber trees, and are perhaps the most universally useful woods obtainable in commercial quantities, one or another of them being suitable for prac- tically every use to whic'h wood can be put. Not only is each the largest of its kind existing, 'but in quality, each is the best of its kind. These are scientific facts which can be verified in any text book on the subject. is Fir Fore DOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga taxifolia) Also Known as Red Fir, Yellow Fir, Oregon Pine, Columbia Pine, Douglas Spruce Douglas Fir is the most important timber tree on the North American Continent or in the world. No other one species exists in such great individual sizes, such excellence of quality and such vastness of quantity over so wide a range. No other one species is so well adapted for such a variety of uses. It is the world's "All Utility" wood. It is found from Northern British Columbia to Mexico, covering a range of over one 'million square miles, and reaches its best development on the coast of Southern British Columbia. The total quantity of Douglas Fir tim- ber is estimated to be greater than that of all the hardwood timber in North America. With the single exception of the Sequoias of California, it is the world's largest timber tree. The average height is 150 to 225 feet, with a diameter of 3 to 6 feet. Exceptional trees reach over 300 feet in height and 15 feet in diameter. There are only two related species, one in Western America and one in Asia. Both are small, scrubby, and commercially non-important. Douglas Fir timber is pro- duced only in Western North America, and the best of it comes from the Pacific Coast. The wood of Douglas Fir is comparatively light, but very strong; it is the strongest wood in the world for its weight that is obtainable in com- mercial sizes and quantities. It is moderately hard, but easy to work, straight grained, tough, resilient and durable. It varies in texture and color from a fairly soft, fine grained straw yellow in narrow-ringed, slow-growth trees, to a 'harder, coarse-grained reddish brown in fast-growing tim- ber. It takes stain well in any shade or color. It holds nails firmly, is practically impervious to water, and is durable. When sawed tangentially (slash grain) the grain of the wood is shown in a most beautiful figuring, which makes it very attractive and widely used for interior finish of every description. Douglas Fir is the ideal building and structural timber, because it combines the requisites of great strength, light weight and ease of 'handling and working, durability, beauty and cheapness more than any other commercial timber ; moreover, on account of the great size of the trees, the tim- ber can be furnished in extraordinarily large dimensions. The wood of Douglas Fir is equally as strong and is much lighter than that of its nearest commercial competitor Long-leaf Pine, also known as Pitch or Southern Pine. Bridge and mining tim- bers, heavy frame and strong planking for ships, scows, dredges, railway cars, eleva- tors, stage deals, and shores in shipbuild- ing yards ; piling for wharves ; spars ; these are forms in which Douglas Fir gives super'b service, for, as a structural tim'ber it is unsurpassed. The enormous beams manufactured by British Columbia sawmills have long been a feature of the export lumber trade of the Province. Most structural timber becomes gradu- ally air-seasoned while in use. Douglas Fir increases in strength as it seasons, and has an advantage in this over the Pitch or Yellow Pine from the Southern States, in wihich'wood the greater resinous content interferes with the seasoning pro- cess. The high resistance to compression perpendicular to the grain, as shown by the strength table given in this pamphlet, enables Douglas Fir to withstand rail- cutting, and this property, combined with its durability, has made Douglas Fir the preferred railway cross-tie or sleeper material of Western America. For many uses to which wood is put, lightness is a distinct advantage. The use of Douglas Fir in the construction of railway cars, for instance, means a reduction in the dead weight that is drawn iby locomotives, and, therefore, a permanent economy in oper- ating expenses, especially in mountainous districts. A comparison of this timber with Pitch-Pine from the Southern States, which is some 22 per cent, heavier, though no stronger, 'gives the following results for cars of 80,000 Ib. capacity : A 500- Year Old Douglas Fir Gondola Car . . . Box Car Refrigerator Car Material Required B. F. 5,000 3,000 10,000 Weight if made of Douglas Fir Lb. 13-745 8,247 27,489 Weight if made of Long-leaf Pine Lb. 17,077 10,246 34,153 The durability of the wood, and the fact that it resists saturation iby water cause it to be used in large quantities for wooden piping, for continuous stave and jointed con- duits used in power and irrigation works, for silos and tanks. It makes first-class railway ties, w'hether treated with preservative or not. Street pavement of creosoted Douglas Fir blocks properly laid is noiseless, dustless, economical in upkeep, and is durable and long wearing even under heavy traffic such as that of freight and dock yards. Cutting Douglas Fir Veneer The unusual valuable combination of qualities possessed by Douglas Fir adapt it to such a variety of uses that a com- plete list of them would cover nearly all the uses to which wood can be put. WESTERN HEMLOCK (Tsuga heterophylla) Also Called Gray Fir, Alaska Spruce, Western Hemlock Fir, Western Hemlock Spruce, Hemlock Spruce, Prince Albert Fir The Hemlocks are found only in Asia (three species) and North America (four species). Western Hemlock holds first place in point of size, and yields much the best lumber. Mature trees average 125 to 150 feet in height, 10 and 2 to 5 feet in diameter. Occasional trees are 250 feet high and 8 feet in diameter. The cool, moist climate of the British Columbia coast provides conditions necessary for its best development, and it is found there in great quantities as well as throughout much of the interior of the Province. The wood of Western Hemlock is light, fairly soft, strong, tough, straight grained, not splintery, odorless, and tasteless. It contains no pitch or resin and is usually light in color, but often reddish brown in the interior of the tree. Its strength, ease of working, and freedom from warp or shake, distinguish it sharply from the Eastern species. Although Douglas Fir is superior for very heavy construc- tion work, Western Hemlock is but little less strong, and for all ordinary building purposes is equally useful. Tests upon 'green stringers of all grades show that Western Hemlock has 88 per cent, of the strength of Doug- las Fir. Dry Hemlock weighs 2,240 Ibs. per 1,000 feet board measure, as against 2,749 Ibs. for Douglas Fir, a matter that affects its price considerably when shipment by rail is necessary. Western Hemlock is at present manufactured into the common forms of lumber, and sold and used for the same purposes as Douglas Fir. It is suitable for inside joists, scantling, latfh, siding, flooring and ceiling, and is especially adapted for uses which require ease of working, a handsome finish or lightness, combined with a large degree of strength. Such uses are the manufacture of boxes, barrels, sash and door stock, fixtures, furniture, turned stock, wainscot and panels. It is also suitable for paper making, and Western pulp mills are now using large quantities. The wood shows a very handsome figuring or pattern when sawn slash grain. It can easily be stained or painted, and takes a high polish. For these reasons it is well suited and largely used for interior finish and trim of all kinds. Although thinner than that of the Eastern species, the bark of the Western Hemlodk is exceedingly rich in Tannic Acid. The pulp mills and saw mills of the Province cut 65,000,000 board feet of Hemlock in 1914, the bark of which was not put to any commercial use. WESTERN RED CEDAR (Thuja plicata) Also Called Giant Cedar, Arborvitae, Pacific Red Cedar, Canoe Cedar, Western Cedar, Shingle Cedar There are four true Cedars, two in Asia and two in America. Western Red Cedar is by far the biggest of them 11 all, and its wood is also better, and obtainable in the largest dimensions. Arborvitae means "tree of life," and never was a name more appropriate. From the most ancient times cedar wood has 'been famous for its remarkable durability and resistance to decay, even under the most severe condi- tions. Trees which fell in damp woods centuries ago are found today sound and fit for lumber. The usual height of Western Red Cedar is from 100 to 150 feet, with a diameter, breast high, of from 3 to 8 feet. Exceptional trees attain to a height of 200 feet and a diameter, breast high, of 15 feet. The wood is very durable, and prac- tically immune from decay. It is exceptionally light, soft, and of close, straight grain, making it easy to handle and wofk, and rendering it remarkably free from warping, shrinking or swell- ing. The narrow sapwood is vVhite. The heartwood in mature years is generally a brownish red (occasionally a light yellow), whidh ages to a deeper and richer shade with a silvery s'heen which is very attractive. The wood has a slight aroma, pleasing and permanent, but is perfectly free from pitch. This makes it especially suitable and popular for moth-proof clothes chests, closets, drawers, etc. Where durability, lightness of weig'ht, or ease of working are essen- tial. Western Red Cedar is unsurpassed by any other wood. It is the great shingle wood of North America. It is used for exterior siding, flume con- struction, framing, drains, posts, poles, canoes, row-boats, trellis work, hot- house frames and sash, and other pur- poses in which the material used is exposed to the weather or in contact with damp soil. Cabinet makers use it for many purposes the backs and sides of drawers, shelves, .boxes and partitions. Its excellent working qualities make it an ideal wood for all kinds of mouldings, trim and interior finish. It is from this tree the Indians of the Pacific Coast hollowed out their great war canoes (the largest in the world), split the planks for their lodges, and carved the celebrated totem poles which decorate their villages. From the fibres of the inner bark they made ropes, blankets, and thatch for their cabins. 'Western Red Cedar 12 SITKA SPRUCE (Picea sitchensis) Also Called Giant Spruce, Silver Spruce, Tideland Spruce, Alaska Spruce The spruces are very valuable forest trees found in every country in the Northern Hemisphere. They yield excel- lent lumber, and are unsurpassed for pulp manufacture. Seven of the eighteen species grow in North America. Sitka Spruce, the giant of the genus, both in size and quality, grows only on the Pacific Coast. Mature trees average 150 feet in height and 4 feet in diam- eter, while some trees grow to over 200 feet in height and 10 to 15 feet in diameter. The tall, straight boles, with their moderate taper, furnish saw tim'ber of the best quality and in largest dimensions, unusually clear and free from defects. The wood varies in color from white to a white tinged with very light brown, is soft and light, but tough and very strong for its weight. It is even-grained, long- fibred, easily worked, non-resinous, odorless, tasteless, flexible and resonant. It does not warp or siplit, and there- fore makes excellent core stock for veneered articles, drawer bottoms and panels. Its strength, lightness and lack of taste and odor make it particularly valuable for box and cooperage manufac- ture, especially where foodstuffs are to be encased. Sitka Spruce is also used in the manufacture of large doors for garages, freight sheds, and clock buildings. \Yhile not as strong or suitable for heavy structural work as Douglas Fir, it is well adapted for many uses in building, such as framing, shelving, sheathing and sub- flooring where such qualities as ease of working and paint- Sitka Spruce 13 ing, or light weight and a'bility to take and hold nails, are demanded. Northern, close-grained Sitka Spruce, such as grows in British Columbia, is also unequalled for carstock. Its long straight grain and fibre, fine texture, the large clear sizes obtainable, and its resonant quality when cut in thin boards, especially fit it for use in manufacture of piano sounding boards and stringed instruments. In aero- plane construction it has proved itself superior to any other wood in fact, it is the only satisfactory timber for that purpose and large quantities are now being used to main- tain the air service of the Allies in the present war. A Train of Spruce Logs STRENGTH VALUES OF TIMBER For the intelligent use of any building or structural material, reliable and specific information concerning its strength is essential. In the case of timber, two things are necessary to procure such information : (a) Actual test, by methods scientifically correct and under conditions as uniform for each test and for each species as it is possible for human ingenuity to make them ; (b) A large number of tests in order to obtain average figures. These conditions are completely fulfilled in the Govern- ment timber testing laboratories in both Canada and the United States. The Canadian laboratory is conducting elaborate tests, but since it has been established less than a year, the results are not yet available. The United States laboratories, however, have been established many years and have made thousands of tests, the results of which have been published from time to time, and are the most reliable and authoritative data it is possible to obtain in regard to the strength of North American timbers. 14 SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTS In the accompanying table are compared average strength values, as obtained by the United States Govern- ment tests, of some of the best and most widely used structural timbers in North America which means the best in the world, because the coniferous forests, 'which supply the great bulk of the building and structural timber of commerce, reach their greatest perfection in North America. Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Larch, Tamarac (or Eastern Larch) and Norway Pine, all grow in Canada (as well as the United States), the first three in British Columbia, the latter two in Eastern Canada. The Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock specimens used in the test came from the Pacific Coast forests and are identical with British Columbia timbers. The Longleaf, Shortleaf and Loblolly Pines, which are mixed and sold together in the market under various names, such as Longleaf, Southern, Yellow or Pitch Pine, are confined to the Southeastern part of the United States. Douglas Fir for Roof Supports Examination of the table shows that Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock, each combining the qualities of light weight and great strength, are among the world's best structural timbers. In two of the most important direc- tions of strength, namely, resistance to cross-bending and resistance to crushing, Douglas Fir heads the list, while Western Hemlock in all cases ranks high. For its weight, Douglas Fir is the strongest of all the woods, with Western Hemlock second. In the tests quoted here the Longleaf Pine timbers tested were partially seasoned, and consequently the 15 o z S h 13 3 ' o 3 txC U S CC a S o U . s s^ X 5s Pounds S "a^=-- J- " 5 3 C co Pounds 4) 5 c i X CO o m j in >> , s 000 Ibs. 00 if! o - - m I < - S - < S5 || Mjs S "~ "^ 3 1-5 a o ^ c 7 1 o OS o n H H ~ 05 (S i. O ^ a> .c ^ c |i S H 1 * -t* t- ""^ o TC o U M W | 5 | Pounds ^^ o ffi GO -f. rr rr IN rc CO oo r CO r 1 | 7 Ci co r^ ,-V-j ^* ^^ ^. yv-i ~ ^ |l| - F: c- / - r O5 in O o GO ^ tt in q CO c _ f v ' > a 5 CO oo -> o s ~ S o o- |BS t- > 3 CO T ' S rt* -~ i CO Cl CM Sl'fX'lES 10 3 O Q Western Hemlock - i irl 1 ~-^ ~ \i CO 09 Loblolly Pine Tamarack . Norway Pine . . . . 5 8 II 16 C C o ^ X strength values given are greater than would be found in thoroughly green wood. The test material from all other species was thoroughly green. (Tihis explains in part the apparently greater strength of Longleaf Pine in one or two directions as compared with Douglas Fir.) The species included in the table may be grouped into three classes, according to their breaking strength, as follows : 1. Strongest. Douglas Fir, Longleaf Pine. Size for size these two average about equal in strength ; weight for weight Douglas Fir is considerably stronger, because it is about 20% lighter than Longleaf Pine. 2. Intermediate. Western Hemlock, Western Larch, Loblolly Pine, Shortleaf Pine. 3. Weakest. Norway Pine, Tamarac. FOREST PRODUCTS No material supplies such a multitude of human needs as wood. Found ready to 'hand in almost every region which is habitable, capable of being worked, shaped and joined by crude implements, tough, and strong, durable, clean and sanitary, impervious to wind and sun, and prac- tically to water, light in weight wood, from prehistoric times, has 'been indispensable to mankind for shelter and protection from the elements, for armor and weapons, for furniture and implements, for boats and vehicles, and, in some of its forms, even for clothing and personal adorn- ment. In modern times the extensive use of metals, stone, clay and concrete in buildings and structures of all kinds, and in A City Built of Wood 17 connection wifh machinery for power, manufactures and transportation, has detracted but little from the importance of wood in architecture, manufactures, and transportation. Further, science has discovered, and is constantly discover- ing more new uses for wood or its products, so that the value and utility of this material is more pronounced than ever. The harvesting of the raw material and manufacture of the finished products of the forest is among the three greatest world industries, agriculture and transportation alone exceeding it in the value of the annual output, or in the number of men employed. In British Columbia, by reason of its huge forest areas, the manufacture of wood products is the most important industry. The various products here described are standard in Canada and the United States. The forests being the chief source of Provincial revenue, the Government of British Columbia, no less than the manufacturer, is interested in maintaining throughout the world the reputation -which the timber of the Province now holds. BUILDING MATERIALS DIMENSION TIMBER AND BOARDS Owing to its great strength, durability, lightness, cheap- ness, and the fact that it can be obtained in any size, Doug- las Fir is pre-eminently suited for all dimension material, beams, joists, scantling planks and boards needed for any purpose in any kind of building, whether exposed or not to the weather. Western Hemlock, because of its strength, lightness and ease of working, is also excellent for dimension stuff and boards, though it is less durable than Douglas Fir w-hen exposed to the weather. Spruce boards are very suitable for inside uses where great strength soft, and easy to handle. Lumber Piles in Mill Yard is not required, being light. Western Red Cedar is not so generally used for common dimension material and boards, because Douglas Fir and 18 Western Hemlock are harder, stronger and cheaper. Cedar is, however, very useful in construction work wherever durability or light weight is the main consideration, as, for example, where wood is to be used in contact with the soil. A Victoria Home Built of 'Wood EXTERIOR FINISH SHINGLES The Western Red Cedar Shingle is unexcelled as a roof- ing material. Nothing else compares with it for durability, cheapness, comfort and beauty. Many instances are found in which the Red Cedar shakes (shingles split by hand), with which the early ibuildings in this Province were covered, are in an excellent state of preservation after 'having been in service since the early "forties" and fifties." In other instances shingles have remained in use after thirty to thirty-five years' service. Sawn Cedar shingles, without paint or treatment, last from twenty to thirty years, according to the situation in which they are used, the general reason for repairs being the rusting-out of wire nails used in roofing. The use of zinc, copper, galvanized, or cut iron nails overcomes this diffi- culty and greatly lengthens the life of the roof. Zinc or zinc-clad nails are perhaps the (best, price and durability considered. Shingles sawn edge (or "vertical") grain will lie flat, and will not warp or twist even after years of exposure to the elements. British Columbia edge grain shingles are the highest quality of shingle sold, and practically the entire output of the Province is edge grain material. 19 Dry light wood is almost a non-conductor of heat or cold. Western Red Cedar is one of the 'best natural non- conductors known, or commercially available, because it is unusually light, is by nature a dry wood containing no pitch, and is impervious to rain or wind. A Western Red Cedar roof is cool in summer and warm in winter. Very attractive architectural effects can be secured 'by the use of Red Cedar shingles. This is particularly to be noticed on the Pacific Coast, where the shingle is not only the predominating roofing material, but is also used with charming effect as an outside wall covering. Shingles of different sizes and forms than the standard are cut to order by the mills. Loading 'Western Red Cedar Shingles The various kinds of dimension and fancy butt shingles, artistically colored, are used in obtaining a stylish and finished appearance to many types of buildings. The remarkable durability of Red Cedar makes preser- vative treatment unnecessary, but if desired, they can be easily stained or painted in any S'hade or color, and beauti- ful color schemes may be obtained in this way. Stains or paints can be applied wit)h a brush to dry shingles after laying, by which means a superficial covering of the exposed part of the shingle may ibe obtained. Shingles can be more thoroughly treated 'by immersing in creosote at about the temperature of 'boiling .water. Dry shingles should remain 20 in this for about thirty minutes, but in the case of green f c5 material the time should be extended to an hour or more. Any of the common colors, ground in oil, can 'be mixed with the creosote. Shingle Bungalow, "Old English" Style SIDING British Columbia Red Cedar, in the form of bevelled siding, shingles, and trim, is an exceptionally good exterior finish for walls of buildings. Besides its natural durability, Cedar bevel siding holds its form, is well manufactured, and takes paints and stains very satisfactorily. It nails easily without splitting, and is free from pitch. For the foregoing reasons, and because it is easy to work, has a straight and even grain, and is particularly suitable for turning. Western Red Cedar is superior to any other wood of Northwestern America for porch columns, balusters, and turned novelties. Sitka Spruce makes excellent siding, being soft, light, easily worked, free from pitch, with attractive grain, and taking stain and paint readily. Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock are also both suit- able for siding, and tine former wood is very widely used for this purpose. 21 INTERIOR FINISH WINDOW SASHES AND DOORS Douglas Fir is used to a greater extent than any other wood by the sash and door manufacturers of British Columbia. In fact, most doors used on the Pacific Coast of America are made from Douglas Fir. It is easily worked, presents a hard surface, is strong and durable. Even the clear and No. i grades, which are used in this work, are inexpensive, and there need foe little or no waste in 'cutting out material. I A Country Hotel of Frame Construction Edge-grain stock, which is easily obtainable, is used for the frames. The distinctive beauty of the slash-grain Fit- is shown in one of the cuts. Rotary-cut Fir veneer is now being largely used for panels in doors of all kinds. FLOORING All Douglas Fir flooring is sawn edge-grain, and the hardness, wear, resisting qualities and ease of working of the wood, combined with its beauty of grain and ability to take a high polish have led to its extensive use. It is very popular as a house floor on account of its beauty and cleanliness ; it is especially attractive in the form of a par- quetry floor. It is equally popular and in general use for factories, warehouse, and other places where it is subject to hard usage, because of its great strength, resistance to wear, and cleanliness. 22 Western Hemlock, w'hen cut edge-grain, also makes an excellent flooring material. It finishes smoothly on account of the uniform texture of the wood, and it also wears evenly. It is not suitable for use in damp places on account of its tendency to warp under such conditions. PANELLING FOR WALLS AND CEILING No form of interior finish compares with wood panelling for beauty, comfort, cleanliness and cheapness combined. It is generally used all through the Pacific Northwest, and is finding great favour wherever introduced elsewhere. The old-fashioned painted door is being replaced by doors with panels of slash-grained Douglas Fir or Hemlock, finished Interior Finish A Beam Ceiling of Cedar in the natural wood so as to bring out the full effect of the beautiful figuring. Plaster and paper-covered walls, parti- tions and ceilings are likewise giving way to wood panel- ling. The all-wood room gives the utmost in beauty and comfort. Unlike many other woods used for panelling, British Columbia woods, especially Douglas Fir and Western 1 lemlock, can 'be finished in a great variety of ways. Many different coloured stains can be applied and dull or bright surface secured. Douglas Fir is the favourite panel wood on account of its beautiful grain and figuring when slash-cut or veneer- cut, and because it takes stain so well. 23 Western Hemlock makes a desirable interior finish, as it is easy to work, readily turned, and its straight, even grain makes it free from 'hrashness and tendency to chip or splinter. It is one of the most ornamental woods ifor office or home interiors, takes stain readily, and is not easily dented. Western Red Cedar makes a very desirable interior finish because of its ability to hold its shape and retain a Interior Finish -Douglas Fir Panels smooth surface. In its natural colour the wood somewhat resembles mahogany, although, of course, it is much softer and lighter. It 'has a distinctive silky finish and takes stain well. Slash-cut Sitka Spruce has an attractive grain or figur- ing, and the soft, silvery, easily worked wood is -well adapted to panelling. 24 OTHER INTERIOR FINISH This includes all the minor 'kinds of interior finish, such as wainscoting, shelving, molding, casing, baseboards, etc. Douglas Fir is in most general use because of its attrac- tive grain, abundance and cheapness. Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and Western Red Cedar are all used, how- ever, for different purposes in accordance with their respective qualities. Drying Sheds for Planing Mill Products Douglas Fir is the standard timber for the construction of wooden bridges, trestles, etc., owing to its great strength and stiffness, durability, comparative lightness, the large dimensions in which it can be obtained, and its abundance and cheapness. Western Hemlock is also very suitable for purposes where the maximum of strength is not required. It is not quite as strong as fir, but is also lighter, and, therefore, easier to handle. It is obtainable in large dimensions. Western Red Cedar, because of its remarkable dura- bility, is sometimes used in positions where ordinary wood quickly rots, such as sills or foundation beams in contact with the soil. Fir, Hemlock and Spruce treated with creosote or other preservative are also used under such conditions. Where a heavy load is to be borne, Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock are, of course, especially suit- able because of their greater strength and resistance to compression. (See also "Preservative Treatment of Wood.") 25 SHIP AND BOAT BUILDING The three principal British Columbia woods used by ship and boat builders are Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, an'd Sitka Spruce. Yellow Cedar (Ohamaecyparis nootkatensis) is also a very useful boat wood. Douglas Fir has long been the most important timber for boats and ships on the Pacific Coast. Ships built almost entirely of this wood have for many years been in the carrying trade of the world. Douglas Fir is also largely used in the dockyards of the United Kingdom and Europe for stage deals, shores, etc., as well as for boat and ship building. Water does not soften it, and it finds a place in rowboat and ocean liner alike. Its properties particularly adapt it for decking, planking, keels, ribs, knees, masts, and finish. A considerable quantity is made into knees for large ships. Ribs of this wood possess great rigidity and strength. Douglas Fir has no peers as mast material, because of its regular taper, durability, strength, and the great lengths in which it can 'be obtained. Sitka Spruce is chiefly used by boat builders for oars and paddles, and for this use it has few equals. It is light and strong, straight grained, holds its shape well, and can be obtained in clear lengths. British Columbia Spruce has been supplied in large quantities to the British Admiralty for oar stock since the earliest days. RAILWAY CARS Douglas Fir car sills are in general use for car construc- tion, and are superior to all others on account of their strength, comparative lightness (nearly 25% lighter than Southern Yellow Pine), elasticity, durability, and the ease with which the wood can be worked. Douglas Fir is also used for nearly all other purposes in car construction, including siding, framing, flooring, roofing, etc. It has also been vised to some extent for interior finish of passenger cars because of the 'beauty of its grain when slash sawed. Western Red Cedar, because it is light, works easily and takes paint readily, is often used in car construction as inside finish and trim, and sometimes for siding and roofing. PILING AND CRIBBING Douglas Fir is most widely used for piling and cribbing. Its valuable qualities for these purposes are its very long, straight, slightly tapering trunk, its strength, resilience, and comparative durability. The wood is hard enough to penetrate most soils, and stands the hammering of the pile 26 driver well. Only where hard subsoils are to be penetrated is it necessary to band the tops to prevent brooming and splitting. Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar also make good piling and cribbing. Hemlock is strong and is durable if given preservative treatment. Sitka Spruce is suitable for use where great strength is not required, and, like Hemlock, is durable if treated. Western Red Cedar is naturally very durable and is valued also for its light weight and excellent form, but its greater cost and lesser strength as compared with Douglas Fir and Hemlock restrict its use. Douglas Fir Piling and 'Wharf Toredos and other marine borers are the worst enemies of piling, and will attack nearly every wood that is not creosoted. Untreated piling lasts from three to six years. Creosoted Douglas Fir piling . has remained sound for twenty to thirty years in salt water on both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of North America. Piling intended for permanent work should always be treated with a preserva- tive, or protected in some other way against marine 'borers. Creosoted piling and cribbing of all 'kinds can be obtained in British Columbia. (See also ''Piling," under "Preserva- tive Treatment of Wood.") POLES FOR TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH AND POWER TRANSMISSION LINES Western Red Cedar is more widely used, suitable, and popular for poles than any other wood used without pre- servative treatment. This is because it best meets the requirements of great durability in contact with the soil, lightness, and suitable taper. Because of the great size to 27 which the tree grows, poles can 'be obtained from it of greater length than in any other species of equal durability. Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce, though naturally less durable in contact with the soil than Red Cedar, meet every other requirement for poles. Dura- bility and long life can be ensured in these species by treating the butt ends of the poles with some preservative as creosote. Douglas Fir is especially suited for positions where great size or strength are required. The largest and best wooden flag poles are obtained from the fir forests of the Pacific slope. What will probably be the tallest pole in the world is the one to 'be presented by the lumbermen and government of British Columbia to Kew Gardens. This flag pole, which is now awaiting a ship capable of carrying it, is 215 feet long, 33 inches in diameter at the butt, and 12 inches at the top. (RAILWAY CROSS TIES OR SLEEPERS The heavy rails and rolling stock and high speed pre- vailing on modern railways place an ever-increasing importance on the qualities of strength, holding of spikes, and resistance to rail cutting or mechanical wear in ties. For this reason the use of the harder and stronger woods, like Douglas Fir, is steadily growing. Over half the ties supplied by the forests of the Pacific slope are of Douglas Fir, and they are now shipped to every part of the world. Both sawn and hewed ties are used, but the former are more common. The practice of treating ties with some preservative, as creosote is extending, and will in time become general. Treated ties last 15 to 20 years, or more, as against 6 or 7 for untreated. Creosoted ties in any dimension can be supplied by British Columbia mills. (See also under "Pre- servative Treatment of Wood.") MINING TIMBERS British Columbia has enormous quantities of timber of various species which is readily accessible for export by water at low prices, and is excellently suited for mining timber, both for temporary and permanent -work. Many different kinds of timber are used for mining, because where it is required for temporary purposes cheap- ness is generally the first consideration, and the nearest available timber is used. Because of its strength and relative durability, Douglas Fir is the timber most valued, especially for the more 28 important and permanent work. Hemlock is equally as good for most purposes as far as strength is concerned, though it is less durable unless treated. Sitka Spruce and Cedar may 'be used in positions not requiring great strength. PULP AND PAPER British Columbia pulp and paper mills manufacture white and coloured newsprint of all grades, superior sul- phite sheeting or building paper, and two grades of unbleached sulphite; Xo. i being a very fine quality, suit- able for the manufacture of book, bond, and high-grade writing papers. No. 2 grade comprises the seconds from No. i grade, and is used in manufacturing news, catalogue papers and wrappings. Existing mills 'have a total yearly capacity of 72,000 tons of pulp and 67,500 tons of newsprint. The latter figure will probably :be considerably increased during the coming year, as one of the largest -pulp mills 'has recently 'come under the control of a new company, which proposes to add to the existing mill a large paper plant. Ninety per cent, of the pulp and paper products of British Columbia are sold outside Canada in successful competition with the products of the mills of Sweden, Nor- way, Germany, and Austria. The main markets for British Columbia sulphite pulp are at present Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South America. For newsprint the principal markets at present are : The Canadian Prairie Provinces as far east as Calgary, the Roc'ky Mountain and Coast States of the United States, Antofagasta, Valparaiso, Iquique, on the West Coast of South America ; Australia and New Zealand. The British Columbia coast provides an ideal location for the pulp industry, there being almost unlimited supplies of raw material, together with excellent water-powers and good shipping facilities all the year round. Spruce, Balsam, White Fir and Hemlock make the best pulp and are the species used. BOX MATERIAL All of British Columbia's woods are suitable for box making, though some meet certain specifications better than others. Sitka Spruce is white in colour, odourless, and 'lias no taste. It is of tough fibre and is free from resin or pitch. Even when worked to very thin boards for box sides and tops, nails do not easily split the wood. Further, it holds nails with remarkable tenacity. Its light weight gives it a low transportation cost. 29 White Fir (Abies amabilis, the largest balsam or true fir of the Pacific forest) is light and soft and for ordinary work is as good a box material as Spruce. It works easily and takes and holds nails well. Cottonwood (Populus tricocarpa) weighs only 23 Ib. per cubic foot kiln-dried, and is one of the lightest and strongest box materials in America. The wood is tough, soft, and easily worked, but will not withstand prolonged dampness or moisture. Western Red Cedar. The aroma of this wood is said to be distasteful to moths, and large quantities are used in making chests, boxes, and closet linings for storing clothes and furs. The Best and Cheapest Box Material Western Hemlock. The wood weighs 32 Ib. per cubic foot kiln-dried, is strong, and has no taste or odour when dry, but if subject to moisture may become sour. It makes an excellent container for dry foodstuffs, fruits, canned goods, and most other dry commodities. COOPERAGE Douglas Fir sawn edge grain is the principal wood used in the Pacific slope for both slack and tight cooperage. It is very strong, durable, -comparatively light, and does not tend to warp or soften in the action of weather and moisture. With some kinds of foodstuffs it is necessary to coat the inside of the container with paraffin or other sulb- stance to prevent the wood from imparting its taste to the food. 30 Sitka Spruce. Barrels are used for sugar and other food- stuffs, the :faet that Spruce has absolutely no taste being to its advantage. The qualities which recommend it as a cooperage material are its freedom from resin or pitch, Cooperage Stock for Any Purpose taste or odour, and its straight grain, toughness, whiteness, and light weight. Western Hemlock is light, strong, odourless and taste- less, and easily worked, and therefore also used to a con- siderable extent for the manufacture of 'barrels and boxes for shipping various materials, including foodstuffs. Cottonwood is used 'by 'cooperage manufacturers in British Columbia, but compared with Douglas Fir or Sitka Spruce the quantity used is small. The wood when dry makes a strong, light, tasteless, and odourless barrel, but where resistance to moisture or weather is a considerable factor, Fir and Spruce are superior. WOOD STAVE PIPES AND CONDUITS Wood Pipe is at the same time one of the oldest and newest means of water conveyance. It was used by the early Romans in their cities and estates. It was used cen- turies ago in the streets of London. The first water works systems in the older cities of Eastern North America were built with wooden pipes. The remarkable durability of wood used under those conditions is shown iby the fact that some of the old wooden pipes, perfectly preserved, have been unearthed within recent years both in London and New York. 31 In the modern form of wood pipe, which has been in use for over 30 years, the pipe is built of staves bound together by steel bands or wire and the diameter is therefore practi- cally unlimited. This method of making pipe originated in Western America. The rapid settlement and development of that part of America required the use of great quantities of large size pipe and conduits for carrying water, often Douglas Fir "Continuous" Wood Stave Pipe many miles, from mountain rivers and lakes, for power plants, hydraulic mining, irrigation systems and city water supplies. The cost of bringing the heavy and expensive iron and steel pipe across the continent from Eastern America was prohibitive. The wood stave pipe was born of necessity, but it has proved so valuable and serviceable that its manufacture is now a large industry and it is in common use all over the continent. 32 Wood stave pipe, like wood stave tanks and silos, is superior for many purposes to those of metal and concrete for the following reasons : 1. Low First Cost. The first cost of wood pipe is so much lower that the interest on the difference in many cases would more than pay for relaying the wood pipe when necessary. The average life of wood pipe under favourable conditions in America is 20 years. Machine banded wood stave pipe, 6 to 30 inches in diameter, costs about one-third as much as cast iron pipe the same size. This advantage increases in the larger sizes. The co.st of transporting and laying iron pipe is also several times greater than that of wood. 2. Low Expense of Maintenance. Wood pipe is less subject to injury from settling and expansion or contrac- tion due to heat or frost. Repairs, when necessary, are much cheaper and easier to make. 3. Light Weight. It is very much easier to transport and handle. This is an especially important advantage where transportation is difficult and expensive. 4. High Capacity. It is smoother inside and therefore more water will flow through it in a given time, because there is less friction. Furthermore, it gets smoother and its capacity increases with use, while the opposite is the case with iron or concrete pipe. 5. Ease of Connections. Connections are easier and cheaper and may toe made at any point without shutting off the pressure. 6. Resistance to Chemical Action. Wood pipe is not affected by water containing salt, sulphur, etc., which quickly rusts iron pipe. Cooper or copper-covered wire or bands must be used on the wood pipe under such conditions. There are two distinct forms of wood-stave pipes in common use. One is termed "continuous" and the other "machine made" or "machine banded." Both are built of the same class of wood, and the staves are of equal thick- ness for like pressures. Continuous Stave Pipe. This form of wood pipe is built up where it is to be used with staves 'bound together by round iron or steel b'ands. The staves are made of uniform thidkness, with a bead on one longitudinal edge and a groove on the other, and with a sawkerf at each end into w'hich a metal plate (spline) is inserted to make a water- .proof joint. Machine Made or Banded Stave Pipe. This pipe is made in the factory in lengths ready for laying. The staves 33 are tongued and grooved and .are (bound together by gal- vanized steel wire wound on spirally and under tension by a machine. After the pipe is wound and the ends milled for coupling it is dipped in a batfh of hot asphaltum, which coats and pro- tects the wire and the wood. It is then rolled in a bed of sawdust to protect the asphaltum and to make nicer to handle. Hundreds of miles of this .pipe is used in Western North America for irrigation purposes. It is especially suitable for use in conditions demanding low cost, ease and economy of transportation and of laying and also removing. Douglas Fir is regarded as the best stave material and is mostly used for that purpose ibecause of its strength, dura- bility, and imperviousness to water. Hemlock is equally as good for ordinary Conditions, though slightly less durable unless given preservative treatment. Cedar is a splendid stave wood, especially where durability rather than great strength is required, but it is more expensive than the other two. TANKS AND SILOS Wood tanks and silos are made in all descriptions, varieties and sizes. They are much cheaper than those of concrete, stone, brick or iron ; cost less to main- tain and are easier to repair. Ensilage keeps sweeter and is much less affected by frost in wooden silos. Douglas Fir is most commonly used, 'because it is strong, dura'ble, is impervious to water and not softened by it. Hem- lock is valued for its light- ness and ease of working. Western Red Cedar is unex- celled for tanks .because of its extreme durability, lightness, and absence of warping, checking, and swelling. VEHICLES AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS Douglas Fir, .because of its stiffness and strength, is well suited for wagon boxes, frames and tongues of wagons, and farm implements, etc., as well as for parts where less strength is required, as in seats, panels, etc. Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce are also suitable for panels, seats, boxes, frames, and bodies of light implements and vehicles. Tanks Built of Wood Stave Pipe 34 FURNITURE AND FIXTURES The use of Douglas Fir in furniture is steadily growing. Its valuable qualities for this purpose are strength, straight- ness of grain, ease of working, lack of warping or checking when properly seasoned, ability to take and 'hold any kind of stain, polish or finish, and its very handsome figure. It may be stained to resemble other -woods and stamped to Another Style of Bungalow resemlble quarter-cut oak, but is considered most attractive when finished so as to display to the best advantage its own beautiful figuring. Douglas Fir is especially 'handsome in the 'popular mis- sion style furniture, in which, though much cheaper, it is equally as attractive as the expensive oaks. It is manu- factured for the most part, 'however, into the cheaper grades of furniture, such as bedroom sets, tables, chairs, etc. It is also in general use for store, office, hotel, and church furni- ture and fixtures. Western Hemlock is equally as suitable as Douglas Fir for many 'kinds of furniture. Its grain shows a beautiful and distinctive figuring when slash cut, readily takes any colour of stain, and can be finished in bright or dull surface. The wood has a fairly hard surface and does not mar easily. It has also the advantage of containing practically no pitch. Western Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce are very largely used for shelves, bookcases, cabinets, drawer bottoms, and as a filling or case for veneers in furniture and musical instruments. They have the special advantages for those uses of being soft, light, very straight grained, fine textured, 35 and easily worked, free from warping, and easy to nail and glue. The distinctive and pleasing aroma of Red Cedar is con- sidered distasteful to moths, and for that reason the wood is much used for clothes chests, closet linings, etc. Yellow Cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) another timber tree of the British Columbia Coast, is more highly aromatic than Western Red Cedar, and is also highly valued for the above purposes. TURNING LATHE PRODUCTS While all the British Columbia woods are suitable for this purpose, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar are most commonly used. Douglas Fir is prized because of its strength, beauty of grain, and ability to take a high polish. Western Red Cedar is valued for its easy working qualities, straight and even grain, and the facility with 'which it takes and holds stain or paint. PATTERNS Western Red Cedar makes a splendid pattern wood and is largely used for that purpose because of its fine texture, softness, ease of working, ability to 'hold form, lightness, and durability. British Columbia also has two pines not described in this 'bulletin which are also unsurpassed for pattern making. They are Western White Pine (Pinus nonticola) and Mountain Western Pine ( Pinus ponderosa). PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT OF WOOD The treatment of wood to preserve it from decay is a very old practice, 'but the big improvements in methods and products, with the resulting development of a wood pre- serving industry of great commercial importance are com- paratively modern. The industry has been established in British Columbia only five years (though some plants 'have been operating on the Pacific Coast of the United States for over twenty years). During that time, however, the demand for treated cross-ties or sleepers, posts, poles, pil- ing, paving blocks, wood stave pipes, and bridge, trestle, wharf, dock, mine and other dimension timbers of all kinds, has greatly increased, particularly in export markets. Business is now offering from many markets in which British Columbia products 'have hitherto been unknown. 36 The advantages of wood 'preserving are obvious. A great deal of wood must be used under conditions which facilitate decay or destruction 'by marine borers (for example, railway ties and .piling). There are many kinds of wood which possess the necessary strength, but few which are naturally durable under such conditions. Treat- ment with a preservative improves the necessary durability and thus greatly enlarges the supply of timber suitable for such purposes to the advantage of both the timber pro- ducer and consumer. The preservatives mostly used are creosote, zinc chloride and crude oil, in the order given. Of these creosote is the best, and it is especially valuable for use in moist places because water will not leach it out. Owing to the higher and increasing cost of creosote, an emulsion of creosote and zinc chloride is coming into use to some extent and meeting with favour both in North America and in Europe. Because treated wood is used for many purposes which require great strength and wear-resisting powers as well as durability, Douglas Fir has been used more than any other species on the Pacific slope, and has given splendid satisfaction. Western Hemlock is, 'however, just as valuable for most purposes, since it is nearly as strong and wear resistant, is lighter, and takes treatment equally well. Red Cedar is not so much treated because it is very durable by nature. It is a common and commendable practice, however, to apply some preservative to the butt ends of posts and poles, and not infrequently this treatment is applied to Red Cedar. Sitka Spruce takes treating well, and when treated can be used like Cedar for purposes not requiring great strength or hardness. TREATED CROSS TIES OR SLEEPERS In European countries practically all railroad ties are treated with chemicals or preserving oils. In North America, on account of the abundant supply of cheap tie timber, the practice 'has developed more slowly; only about twenty-five per cent, are treated at present, but the pro- portion is increasing steadily. In Pacific North America, where altogether about ten million ties were treated in 1914, Douglas Fir has been used almost entirely, because of its valuable mechanical qualities. During the past summer British Columbia made its initial shipment to India of creosoted Douglas Fir ties. Treated Western Hemlock also makes excellent tie material. 37 TREATED POLES AND POSTS Treatment of poles and posts is mostly confined to brushing or dipping- the butts. All the various kinds of British Columbia timber trees are very suitable for these purposes when properly treated. Pacific Red Cedar is the standard pole wood, largely because it is very durable by nature, and for the same reason it is not commonly treated. TREATED PILING As a rule untreated or unprotected wooden piling in sea water is destroyed by teredos or other marine wood borers long ibefore it would wear or rot out. The average life of such piling is only ifrom six months to two or three years. Creosote repels the attacks of the 'borers, and does not leach out an water. The average life of creosoted Douglas Fir piles is around 20 years, and they have been known to remain sound and give service for over thirty years. WOOD BLOCK PAVING Great progress has been made in recent years in the treatment and use of wood for paving, with the result that to-day wood 'block paving is proved to be superior in almost every way to macadam, asphalt, concrete or granite. Properly laid it is very durable, has low tractive resistance, affords good foothold, is almost noiseless, and stands up under extremes of weather and traffic. Vv^ood Block Pavement in Vancouver Most of the wear shows in the first six months, by which time the fibre of the exposed ends of the blocks become pressed down an'd matted together into a firm, hard surface on w>hioh the wear is thereafter almost inappreciable. The first cost is somewhat higher than the cheaper 'kinds of mineral pavement, but it is more economical in upkeep, so that the final cost is lower. Repairs when needed are easier and cheaper to make than in the case of other paving materials. 38 It is very sanitary, -because it is dean and more dustless than any other pavement. It -does not grind into dust, as do all mineral pavements, and furthermore has the property of holding and binding much of the dust which 'blows on to it. It is practically impervious to water, and is therefore easy to clean. Unli'ke many mineral pavements, it is not injured by the use of high pressure street flushing machines, and therefore nightly scouring is practicable. It possesses the 'great advantages over mineral pave- ments of being almost noiseless, resilient, and therefore easy to walk over, even in temperature, because wood is almost a nonconductor of heat and cold, and it is free from glare and radiation of heat. These features commend it especially for city pavements, bridges and viaducts, and for floors in shops, factories, warehouses, garages, stables, barns and dairies. Wood Block is the most popular paving material in Britain, France, and Germany, and is widely used in the principal American cities. Creosoted Douglas Fir paving is 'the only wood-block material used in British Columbia and its use is general throughout the Pacific slope, while it is rapidly coming into favour in Eastern America. As Douglas Fir becomes better known in markets where wood- block paving is extensively used, it will replace to a con- siderable extent the woods now used, owing to its hard- ness, elasticity, durability, and cheapness. OTHER FOREST PRODUCTS Only the principal manufactures of wood have been mentioned in this book. Lumber suitable for other minor products of all kinds, however, can be supplied. British Columbia has a wood for every use. Write the Chief Forester, Victoria, B. C., for informa- tion. A British Columbia Sawmill 39 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page To Importers The Timber Resources of British Columbia 3 The Pacific Slope Forests 3 British Columbia's Forests 3 The Lumber Industry of the Pacific Slope 4 British Columbia's Facili- ties for Export 4 Trade Inquiries 6 The Principal Export Tim- ber Trees, Their Quali- ties and Uses 7 Explanatory 7 Douglas Fir 8 Western Hemlock 10 Western Red Cedar 11 Sitka Spruce 13 Strength Values of Timber 14 Significance of Tests .... 15 Table 16 Forest Products 17 General 17 Building Materials 18 Dimension Material and Boards 18 Exterior Finish 19 Shingles 19 Siding 21 Interior Finish 22 Window Sashes and Doors 22 Flooring 22 Panelling for Walls and Ceiling 23 Other Interior Finish .... 25 Page Timbers for Heavy Con- struction 25 Bridge, Truss and Trestle Timbers 25 Ship and Boat Building . . 26 Railway Cars 26 Piling and Cribbing 26 Poles for Telephone, Tele- graph and Power Trans- mission Lines 27 Railway Cross Ties 28 Mining Timbers 28 Special Manufactured Pro- ducts 28 Pulp and Paper 29 Box Material 29 Cooperage 30 Wood Stave Pipes and Conduits 31 Tanks and Silos 34 Vehicles and Agricultural Implements 34 Furniture and Fixtures . 35 Turning Lathe Products Patterns . 36 36 Preservative Treatment of Wood 36 Treated Cross Ties or Sleepers 37 Treated Poles and Posts 38 Treated Piling 38 Wood Block Paving 38 Other Forest Products .... 39 40