The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-09
ARE WOODEN FORTUNES.
Some Trees That Have Proved to Be
Heal Treasures to Their Owners.

Wnen Thwaithe's Oak. said to be
the finest tree in Norfolk, was sold
some years ago, the trunk alone fetch
ed t44; The branches were sold for
tZS, While the bark and chips realiz-
ed another $40. So the whole tree
retched more than $50, sum which
would nave been greatly exceeded had
the cost of getting such mass of
timoer to its destination not been SO
great. Inc trunk alone weighed more
than 20 tons. and it. took a fourteen
morse power engine "a day and half
to get it to the road
OAK Is the most valuable of any
BRUSH timber, but its value is small
indeed compared with that of foreign
woods used fore.veneering and other
ornamental work Of the kind. About
hve years ago there were sold in Liver
pool two logs of, African mahogany,
pool two logs Of African Mahogany.
which between them composed the
trunk of one tree, for the immense
sum OF f1.536. The grain of this
special tree was extraordinarily fine,
mighty logs now grace the dining
room of a Park Lane mansion. being
used IN place of wallpaper.
In August last. an American 1um-
herman paid several hundred pounds
for one log, and taking it to tISe States,
cut 1t up into veneers, which sold for
t2,20O- This is probably the record
price ever realized from a single tree.
Walnut, the American variety, is an
other very valuable timber for veneer
ing purposes. There is a story that
Kentucky farmer who had ruined
himself over racing, 4recouped all his
losses, over $4,000, by the sale of a
grove of about 80 walnut trees which
stood near his house.
The largest trees in the world are
not-as usually supposed-the red
woods of California, but the Australian
gums. The tallest of the American
or fpo SC. hoT
in height, while gum has been
measured of $40 feet. But the red
woods, it must be confessed, are the
most valuable. The famous" other
high and 1877 feet to the first branch.
yielded $4,000 feet of sound inch
timber. AT a moderate computation
this tree was. therefore, worth $1,000.
Happily, the best of the remaining big
trees are now preserved by the Gov
eminent. 1t is a sad pity that Australia
does not follow SO good an example.
California possesses not only the
redwoods, but also giant oaks. At the
Worlds Fair was exhibited
walls and roof of which, together with
and roof of which, together with
timber cut from a single oak.
One more Californian plant record
Grande, the most gigantic grapevine in
the world. 1t is to be seen at ranch
in the Montecito Valley near Santa
Barbara. Its main stem is ~ feet
In circumference. and the trellis which
supports it covers nearly a quarter of
an acre. In its prime the great vine
produced on an average four tons OF
grapes yearly, which sold for f22 per
ton. Quite comfortable income,
f88 a year!
The famous rose tree of Hildesheinl,
in Germany, which has been growing
and blooming since the year 1922
against the side of the famous old
church of st. Michael. has the honor
Of being the tree for which the record
sum has been offered. Some years
ago an American millionaire offered
1000 down for the tree as it stood.
as the Germans are the
Westerner was really
rath er fortunate In getting off with his
life. AS a great favor shoots are some
lines sold and these realize very
arge prices. q
The average man who sees camellia
blossoms in florists window at sixpence
apiece would not mind owning the ca |
nelia tree which grows at Pilnetz, |
lear Dresden, and is one of the sights |
If the district. It was imported from |
Japan about the middle of the eigh- |
zenith century, and at present stands |
ust over so feet high. 1t has an an |
lual average of 10000 blossoms. |
which, if sold at six pence apiece, |
would realize exactly f1,00O.-F'rom |
Answers. 20