and yellow pine are used for floors. The best flooring is sawn with the straight edges of the annual rings upward; tangential sawn flooring may splinter. Chestnut is common in some parts of the country, being used for ceiling and inexpensive finishing and furniture. Locust and bois d'arc (osage orange) are used for hubs of wheels; bois d'arc makes a remarkably durable pavement for streets. Ebony is a tropical wood used for flutes, black piano keys, and fancy articles. Ash is straight and elastic; it is used for handles for light implements. Hickory is very strong as well as elastic, and is superior to ash for handles, spokes, and other uses where strength is wanted. Hickory is never sawn into lumber, but is split or turned. The "second growth," which sprouts from stumps, is most useful, as it splits readily. Fast-growing hickory in rich land is most valuable. The supply of useful hickory is being rapidly exhausted. Softness is often important. White pine and sweet gum because of their softness and lightness are useful in box-*making. "Georgia" or southern pine is harder and stronger than white pine; it is much used for floors, ceilings, and some kinds of cabinet work. White pine is used for window-sash, doors, and molding, and cheaper grades for flooring. Hemlock is the prevailing lumber in the east for the framework and clapboarding of buildings. Redwood and Douglas spruce are common building materials on the Pacific coast. Cypress is soft and resists decay and is superior to white pine for sash, doors, and posts on the outside of houses. Cedar is readily carved and has a unique use in the making of chests for clothes, as its odor repels moths and other insects. Willow is useful for baskets and light furniture. Basswood or linden is used for light ceiling and sometimes for cheap floors. Whitewood
