34 KANSAS AND THE COUNTRY BEYOND.

I have thought it worth while to be thus particular in speaking of
this extraordinary flood, because of its bearing upon the Union Pacifie
Railway, and to correct any exaggerated reports which, perchance,
may be set afloat.

P. S.— Already five construction trains are at work on those parts
of the road found to be too low, and in a few days all will be better.
than ever, and the regular trade resumed.

 

LETTER VIII.— Trees in Kansas.
Lawrences, June 21, 1867.
TREES IN KANSAS.

In the greater part of this State, except along the margins of the
watercourses, there is very little timber; but along the streams it
grows with great luxuriance. The main part is cottonwood, a variety
of poplar, and perhaps one of the poorest varieties. The tree often
grows to a large size, and is much used for the manufacture of rough
lumber, such as joists, rafters, scantling, fencing-boards, and often it
is used for partitions, and even siding and floors in the rougher and
cheaper kinds of houses. It is almost impossible to plane it. In fact,
nothing but the axe and saw can work it up. The trunks of the trees
are generally cut into saw-logs, and the branches into cord-wood. It
is rarely split, for the woody fibre is interlaced almost as much as
gum, and is nearly as tough as the fibre of hemp. It is not often that
a piece long enough for a common saw-log can be obtained without
more or less crooks in it. There are many saw-mills, all of which use
the circular saw exclusively. Sometimes two saws are used, so that
when large logs are operated upon, the upper one cuts what the lower
one cannot reach. Cottonwood is wholly unfit for posts, railroad ties,
or any use which brings it in contact with the soil, ag it quickly rots
in such situations; but if kept dry, it is for many purposes a strong,
useful wood. Cottonwood boards make pretty good fences, but their
tendency to warp often causes them to break the nails.

The cottonwood is of very rapid growth. It is often planted for
purposes of shade and ornament. The denseness and deep shining
green of its foliage make it one of the most beautiful trees, when
standing out in open places, I ever saw. Harly in June it ripens its
seed, which.are quite small, and each seed is winged with a small tuft
of downy fibre like cotton, which bears it for miles on the wind.
Hence the name of cottonwood.
~ Next to the cottonwood, the black walnut is the important timber