Identification of coniferous woods

The identification of coniferous woods is generally re­ garded as being more difficult than for the hardwood spe­ cies. This is due to the fact that conifers are more ele­ mental in their structure and, as a consequence, the num­ ber of diagnostic features that may he employed is pro­ portionately smaller. Instructions are given here in the sequential use of primary diagnostic features in the identi­ fication ofconiferous woods. These may be used from the data chart or by sorting marginally perforated cards. Microscopic features are necessarily emphasized because of the greater accuracy obtainable through their usage. The majority of the species described are found in the continental United States and Canada; however, several exotic species found in commercial channels are also included.