ilding, of such arborescent magnificence; let us mount the steps to
the broad, breezy veranda. Pausing a moment to inhale the refreshing
coolness of the crisp air; and to admire the wave curving sparkle of the
blue waters of Lake Michigan, we then pass to the shining portal of
richly colored, highly polished woods, which form the main entrance.
Here, covering the entire available floor-space, piled high in splendid
profusion; we behold the garnered riches from the forests of the world.

"I shall not attempt to describe my varying emotions of wonder and
delight, as I wandered for hours through a bewildering maze of the
wonderful exhibits, which formed this unrivalled collection of choice
woods. As I advanced, my admiration for its variety and extent continued
to grow. I began to perceive that, spread out before me, was the
opportunity of a life time, which, if properly utilized would prove for
me the permanent foundation of an education on the subject of timber,
trees and forestry products. With this realization came the resolve,
that I would devote time enough to each exhibit, to permit me to examine
it in detail, leisurely and carefully.

"The separate exhibits from the States of the Union and from other
nations, were skillfully classified and so artistically arranged, as to
show in the most effective manner the lovely grain, color and finished
beauty, of the different woods.

"All the valuable timbers were represented by three specimens. The first
and second, were polished planks displaying the grain-finish, of both
radial and transverse sections. The third, a cross section or disc,
showing the heart, body-wood, sap-wood and bark; the full size of the
tree represented. These discs proved by far the most interesting part of
the exhibit. To me they were a revelation! They at once introduced me to
the individuality of the tree. I could read the history of its life as I
scanned the ever-widening circle of annual rings, which, from center to
circumference, marked the slow growth of ages, as the tree advanced from
infancy to maturity.

"By means of these polished discs, I could touch and become personally
acquainted with the precious, the famous, and the historical trees of
the world. The mighty teak and deodar from India. The giant mahogany
from Central America. The olive of Palestine. The cedars of Lebanon. The
ancient oaks of Dodona. The magnificent dye-wood and rosewood of
Brazil. The majestic live-oak of Florida. Th