History: American Woods (Preface)

This book is designed to be a source of information regarding the more interesting and outstanding characteristics of a selected list of American trees. The natural growth range of each tree, the properties, figure, color, and workability of its wood, and its common uses and products are discussed, with particular emphasis on the use of the wood in the home workshop. Identifying photographs of many of the trees are included.

It is my purpose to present the beauty and utility of a number of our finest American woods in a way easily understood by any woodworking hobbyist. In so doing, I hope, as a wood enthusiast myself, to arouse a keener intrest in the woods of our country, particularly some of the uncommon species which deserve more extensive utilization by home craftsmen and student in manual training.

From my collection of wood specimens in natural finish, color plates of a few of the woods of I am discussing have been made and included to herein. The geographical range of each tree is given to indicate the section of the country in which it may be found. Only those woods which are found in sufficient abundance to warrant their use on a wide commercial basis are available in our usual lumber markets. Relatively few of our most beautiful and colorful American woods are found in local lumber yards or are obtainable from dealers who make a specialty of providing woods for the home workshop.