The woodwork and floors of a great many houses of moderate cost are done
to-day in Southern pine, sometimes called “yellow pine,” sometimes “curly
pine.” The alternating bands of dark and light yellowish brown, often
very much waved, give the wood an ornamental grain that is much admired.
It is common and most desirable that this wood should not be stained nor
painted, but given the “natural finish” which brings out the rich orange
colour, and shows at their full value the wavy bands and intricate
patterns that are the chief beauty of the wood. The arching timbers that
support the roof of a church are often made of stiff timbers cut from
Southern pines, and dressed only with a coat of oil, under which time
deepens and enriches the wood’s natural colours.