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LTHOUGH there has been a decided improvement in the weather throughout the country, and summer is well upon us, there has been little or no improvement in the volume of business which is coming to the manufacturers. Instances are rare where the factories are being run more than four days a week, and there is little or no business in anticipation. The establishment of greater confidence in the future, through the assurance of a splendid crop, a surcease from legislation believed to be adverse to business, the assurance that as a nation we are not to be enmeshed in a long and expensive war, the granting of the advance in rates asked for by the railways-any or all may contribute to the restoration of confidence and start things going again. How soon one or all these things are achieved, or happen, will undoubtedly have a influence upon what is done during the July furniture season which is near at hand. The preliminary season in Grand Rapids, for which the Berkey & Gay Furniture Co. was responsible, reflected more than anything of recent occurance the lethargy which prevails in the furniture trade. Prominent buyers who had planned to visit Grand Rapids were held at home by the edict of merchandise men who were under instruction to put the lid on until things cleared up. Fewer of the "job" hunters have been visitors to factory points than is usually the case at this season of the year.

The financial condition of the country is excellent. A prominent financier has expressed it in this way: "Money is easy, but credit is not." But the clearing house reports begin to disclose that there is some reaction in business. The report which it will be possible to make a month later, it is hoped, will be even more encouraging.

A very important factor and one closely affecting trade in all departments is the crop situation. No more favorable crop report has ever been issued than that sent out by the department of agriculture on May 7. All crops were reported in first-class condition at the date of May 1. but the most important crop at this date is winter wheat and in ordinary years of normal conditions in the business world there would be a responsive acceleration of trade in the announcement that the condition of winter wheat was the best ever known on that date and indicated the greatest yield ever known-630,000,000 bushels. Not only that, but the condition improved between April 1 and May 1, being 95.6 on April 1 and 95.9 on May 1, an unprecedented record, there being nearly always more or less deterioration shown heretofore in the crop between those two dates. Last year the crop indication on May 1 was 513,000,000 bushels and the crop harvested was $23,000,000, The condition on May 1, 1913, was 91.9, so that this bids fair to be an exceptional year, as the crop is well along and it is only six weeks to harvest. The total wheat crop, winter and spring, is likely to approximate 900,000,000 bushels, as against 753,000,000 bushels in 1913.

If anything can avail to help business, the splendid Teup prorobe should have a great deal of influence in that t, there is so much pessimism in the atmosdobful if anything short of the increase *bar, rate and the adjournment of Congress with

out action on the anti-trust bills will avail in counteracting it.

The situation is far better in the West than in the East. It should be almost needless to say that the manufacturers of distinctively summer goods are at the height of their spring trade, with the promise that their stocks will be entirely depleted. Summer goods do not run into money very fast, but it is encouraging to know that the retailers are not without some trade, and that not all the loose money is going into outdoor vehicles instead of some of it finding its way into outdoor furniture. Our New York correspondent writes of the situation in the East as follows: "Spring business among the retailers of New York City and vicinity can only be described as indifferent, although a material improvement over conditions which have prevailed of late. If it were possible to total up retail sales it would probably be found that the actual volume of business is fairly satisfactory, although it lacks the snap and spontaneity which merchants would like to The demand is chiefly for staples and articles of actual necessity, and high-priced goods have been somewhat neglected for the plainer and cheaper lines. A wave of thrift seems to have swept over the country and permeated all branches of business. Money is now the cheapest item in business. Dealers in commercial paper complain that there is none to be had, owing to the reluctance of manufacturers and merchants to make future commitments. The statement of one of the largest international banking houses along this line is interesting:

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"The country is living economically and there is less extravagance than there has been at any time in years past. People are not inclined to speculate, and so far as the Wall Street market is concerned, trading has been largely professional. These conditions cannot last forever, and it is well to remember that the liquidation that has been witnessed in securities, in business, and in labor has been immensely helpful in strengthening underlying conditions and putting the country upon the safest basis seen in years. It is a transition period and things are at a standstill, because people are waiting for something to happen. Things happen so quickly in the United States that the situation is likely to shift any moment, and as things are now at lowest ebb, it is not unreasonable to expect that the next turn will be in the direction of better business."

A leading manufacturer is quoted as saying: "Thrift now superseding extravagance temporarily makes bad business. Until we become adjusted to the new idea of responsibility and caution which the American public seems to have learned, business will not reach its former high volume."

THE LUMBER MARKET Hardwood and Veneers

Reports at hand since the first of the month as to the status of the hardwood lumber industry are widely at variance. There are none, however, among either manufacturers or wholesalers who are so rash as to assert that the demand is either active or satisfactory, though a few say that they have been marketing their lumber without

particular difficulty and with about the usual margin of profit. Some of the northern concerns have been fortunate in having sold all or most of their reduced production early and are therefore contented to hold whatever stock they may accumulate in future or now have remaining on hand for a better market. Southern operators, as a rule, have felt the full effect of the stagnation prevailing in manufacturing circles since the first of the year and are not now having, nor have they had in the last several months, sufficient demand to absorb the greatly reduced output of their mills. The net result has been that in the month the market has been fairly well held, while in southern woods there has been more or less demoralization.

The

It is pretty well settled in the minds of business men that governmental affairs have had a great deal to do with the recent dullness and with the uncertainty prevailing in all departments of industry as to the future. agitation over the proposed 5 per cent. advance in freight rates has been one of the most weighty factors in causing the dullness, for the railroads were determined not to buy supplies or make improvements until the question of an advance or otherwise was settled. The decision of the Interstate Commerce Commission, whether favorable or unfavorable to the roads, will be a good thing for general business and, as a matter of fact, a definite opinion of some kind from the Commission is believed to be better than the existing uncertainty. That the latter will be compelled to enter the market for absolutely necessary equipment and supplies after a prolonged period during which the orders to their purchasing agents were "buy nothing," appears to presage a comfortable volume of business in the very near future, regardless of the advance in freight rates. Already a number of the roads have come into the market for lumber in fairly large quantities, but their orders are mainly for repairs or badly needed equipment. One order, last week, was for bridge material totaling 3,250,000 feet for the Frisco.

The hardwood lumber market has remained in a depressed condition through the last several months, but not perceptibly worse recently than a month ago. Quartered white oak has held better than most other woods, values ranging well up to what they were early in the year. Plain oak has suffered considerably from the extended stagnation, being fully $5 off from the March quotation. Good cottonwood has declined a few points, while cull remains firm. Red gum is still weak in the upper grades but there is a fair demand, at good values, in the lower. Ash is in about the best demand of any of the southern woods. Birch is steady and being in strong hands is likely to be well sustained. No. 2 and No. 3 common are in better shape than other grades. Maple is quite firm, all things considered, and it is reported that a good part of the season's cut is sold, except the two-inch, which is something of a drug on the market. There is no life in either rock or soft elm and stocks of both woods are low. There is an excellent demand for No. 3 elm for crating purposes, however. Basswood has been showing some firmness lately, but stocks at the mills are small.

Mahogany and the other foreign woods are moving in relatively good volume, as compared with the earlier months, although values on mahogany have fallen off to the extent of about $10 a thousand, being now quotable around $160 and $165, whereas a year ago they were up to $170 and $175. The heavy exportation of mahogany lumber and logs from Gulf ports visible during the last four or five months, has dwindled down for the moment to small proportions, though a revival in this new kind of traffic may be looked for almost any time, as European buyers evidently have a preference for the high quality of stock shipped in from Central America by manufacturers in this country. The veneer market is picking up to some extent and the output is fairly well absorbed. In glued-up panels there is moderate activity and the industry is in good shape. Prices have not been greatly deflected during the recent dullness.

With a quickening of general trade, such as is likely

to occur with an expected early settlement of two or three important transportation and economic matters, a big grain crop, the starting of the federal reserve banks and a more active foreign policy, the lumbermen are looking forward to considerable trade by fall, if not sooner, provided most of these solutions are favorable THE METAL MARKETS

Steel

The leaders of the steel industry now make no secret of the fact that conditions in that industry are most deplorable. One of the most prominent men in the line recently characterized the situation as "the most serious in the history of the American steel industry." By the end of the first week in May the entire steel trade was running on a half time schedule, with the single exception of tin-plate mills. These are running approximately on full time, as there is a big demand for their product at present. The report of the United States Steel Corporation for the first quarter of 1914 shows a deficit of over $6,000,000. It is estimated that the volume of unfilled orders on their books has been decreased approximately 300,000 tons during April. New business is at a premium, and seems to be steadily falling off with minor exceptions. In certain wire specialties there has been a slight revival, and the steel tube demand has been fair, but these lines, together with tin-plate, make up about all there is to the steel industry today. In the consequent keen competition for business, the independent mills have led the scramble, cutting prices right and left, and forcing important concessions upon the leaders. Crude steel has declined to last year's minimum of $20 a ton for billets and $21 for bars. Even on this basis, it is understood that production has been considerably in excess of demand latterly. Concessions have also been made in nearly all other lines of steel, but without noticeable effect in stimulating orders. The railroads continue to hold back and buy merely for actual requirements. Structural steel is in light demand and is to be had at a low figure. There are several large contracts in sight which are expected to help out this branch of the industry materially. Prices on wire products have been fairly well maintained, although signs of wavering are now reported.

Iron

Similar conditions obtain in the pig iron trade. Curtailment of production has become more and more prevalent and eight blast furnaces ceased operations during the last week in April alone. It is understood that the production of pig iron by merchant furnaces is now considerably below 50 per cent. of capacity. What new business is coming in consists mainly of small scattered orders and the only large item in sight is the large contracts for the New York City subway tunnels. Prices are falling steadily and the market appears to be without support. The smaller producers have led in the pricecutting movement, but are now complaining that selling prices are below the cost of production. The steel companies are taking very little iron and other manufacturing lines are extremely dull also. There has been scarcely enough business recently to establish prices, but there are reports of transactions as low as $12.50 valley furnace for No. 2 iron. This can hardly be termed representative and probably $13 would be nearer the mark. It is apparent, however, that price shading has extended all through the market. The outlook is distinctly gloomy at present.

Copper and Brass

The copper and brass trades are quiescent in sympathy with the other metal industries. The demand for copper by consuming interests has been at a minimum for so long that it no longer excites comment, but is nevertheless the most important factor in the situation. Stocks of copper are beginning to accumulate alarmingly, in spite of curtailed production, and the total absence of receipts from Mexico, where the American plants have all been closed down. Producers and dealers now seem a little more anxious for business and slight concessions have been made, but it seems impossible to

Now the 14 cent. level. Consumers seem just termined not to purchase beyond actual daily needs - the price falls below this point, and so the deadlock continues. Bids of 13 cents are common and some business has been done at 13 cents, but the nominal quotation is 11 cents. Brass tubing manufacturers are maintaining previous price schedules without change and it seems improbable that there will be any change in the near future, even should copper drop sharply. There is considerable interest manifested in the possibility of war, which would stimulate the brass trade materially. THE RAW MATERIAL MARKETS

Cotton

The raw cotton market is distinctly weak, lacking support from both producing and consuming ends. The assurance of an ample supply for all normal requirements is coupled with the fact that the demand for cotton fabrics is at a low ebb and that consumers of cotton are consequently indifferent and disposed to delay buying in the anticipation of still lower prices for the staple. The size of the present crop has been definitely settled and the prospects for next Season are encouraging. Although planting has been delayed in some sections by unseasonably cold weather, as a whole the planting has proceeded favorably and it is already apparent that the acreage devoted to cotton will be fully as great if not larger than last year. Methods of cotton cultivation are improving rapidly, and if the weather is propitious, the present rate of production should be more than maintained. Lack of demand for cotton products has begun to react sharply upon manufacturers throughout the industry. It is reported that the cotton yarn market has not been so dull in years, and it is apparent that the mills have no incentive to stock up on yarns, being assured of ample supplies whenever needed, and anticipating further weakening of prices. Cotton spinners have been quietly cutting down their output, and a concerted movement toward a general curtailment is now on foot. The volume of curtailment in the textile manufacturing centers has reached alarming proportions. It is said that the volume of output is now actually less than it was when a lesser number of mills were in existence and running full time in 1906. Many mills have been closed entirely and it is estimated that 15.000 looms Fall River are standing idle in New Bedford alone. mills are operating to about 85 per cent. of capacity. In heavy cotton goods, barely 65 per cent. of total capacity is reaching the market. It seems to be the policy of the The war mills to shut down rather than overstock. scare brought a possibility of increased business in heavy cotton goods, such as ducks, drills and uniform materials, but at this writing this feature does not seem likely to prove of importance. Prices have been maintained at a low level for some time and if present dull conditions are long maintained, it is practically certain that they will become seriously unsettled. quotations on tickings are: Amoskeag ACA......1334

"ACA 4/4.......17
"XX and XXX 15

X and C......1211⁄2

Pearl River.
Shetucket FL....

Published

Shetucket LWA............. 61% Shetucket A.. 72 6

Oakland B.

Falls BB and BW...12 Swift River.

8

52

..1334

Carpet Wools

The market in carpet and upholstery wools is quiet with a deadlock on prices. Some large arrivals from foreign sources have been noted, but most of such stocks were owned by large consumers and hence did not appear Holders of carpet wools seem on the general market. confident that the future will justify their present attitude of holding obstinately to present high quotations, while consuming interests are equally convinced that prices will be lower. The volume of business in the manufacturing centers is such as to permit the discussion to proceed without serious embarrassment. Wool stocks are not necumulating to any great extent, but there is no dontope in sight. It is believed that trading on a large

scale will not be resumed until the new carpet season is well under way. Silk

The raw silk market is exceptionally firm and active considering the time of year. It had been reported that domestic manufacturers were well provided with stock, but their continued inquiries and the active movement of stock would indicate that they have been buying from hand to mouth. There are indications of a serious shortage in supply if the present rate of consumption is maintained. It is said that there are but 1,000 bales of raw silk suitable for export remaining in the Japanese market and holders are very independent. Prices have advanced steadily and some of the better grades are unobtainable. Owing to the high quotations on Japan silks, the Italian market has become more active and prices have advanced there also. There are rumors of unfavorable conditions for the coming season in the Italian producing sections. Chinese silks are firmly held at high levels.

FINISHING-ROOM SUPPLIES
Linseed Oil

Gloom and depression are the features of the linseed oil market. The predictions of a famine and big advances in price, which emanated from some quarters recently, do not appear to be borne out by the facts. The flaxseed market is exceptionally quiet and prices have been shading off from week to week. The domestic supply of seed appears to be considerably larger than was anticipated and there is plenty in sight from foreign sources if needed. Seed receipts at primary points have been light since the market began to break early in April and it is believed that holders are withdrawing their stocks from the market. Crushers are fully supplied and are not willing to make further purchases until they can dispose of the oil which they have accumulated. It is reported that the crushers are carrying heavier stocks of oil at present than in many years past. The European demand for South American seed has fallen off materially, indicating that foreign oil producers are also well supplied. General business depression is assigned as the principal reason for the big slump in consumptive activity for oil. Prices have been shading off for several weeks, but buyers still refuse to anticipate their needs. An authority reports that a large paint manufacturing concern, one of the leading individual consumers of linseed oil, estimates its requirements this year at fully 40 per cent. below normal, based on lack of interest in painting operations. Oil prices have receded to a 50 cent basis on paper but it is understood that price cutting is general throughout the trade. It would seem that a 50 cent price was fairly safe, but the spring season has been distinctly disappointing and it is believed that dealers are generally overstocked as a result. Even lower prices now seem in prospect, although a sudden increase in demand would stiffen things up.

Varnish Gum

Although showing no signs of weakness, the varnish gum market has slowed down. Large quantities of goods have been moved, but consumers now seem to be well stocked up for immediate needs and are not anxious about the future. There is no present indication of shortage in any of the more desirable grades and buying is consequently at a minimum. Prices are practically unchanged.

Shellac

Local dealers are discouraged by the unsettled condition of the shellac market. It seems to lack support both from the consuming interests and the sources of supply. Dealers, both here and abroad, seem unable to figure out the situation and are quoted as complaining of the uncertainty. Reports from the producing sections are indefinite or contradictory, and the only reliable indication of this phase of the market is that Calcutta dealers who handle the bulk of the world's supply, are shading prices, although in an erratic manner. Speculation appears to be rife in the European market and there are many complaints of this feature. Shipments of shellac to this

The turpentine market has again turned to apathy and indifference. Consumption has been small, dealers are inactive and little stock is moving. Prices have shaded off and are now at about 47 cents at primary points. It now seems certain that the production of turpentine will be sharply curtailed. The bulk of the turpentine supply comes from the yellow pine lumber producing sections. The demand for this class of lumber has been very light and turpentine production has consequently increased. Plentiful supplies have reached the market, but at present prices the margin of profit is negligible and it is understood that the manufacture of turpentine is to be curtailed materially.

GLASS AND MIRROR PLATES
Depression Prevails

On May 29th, the American window glass factories are expected to close their plants until on or about October 1st. Such was the announcement made during the last few days by one close to the situation in this trade.

The plate glass market has been anything but brisk during the past few weeks and this may be accounted for by the fact that the building season has not opened as early as many believed that it would. It is freely admitted, however, that there is quite a lot of work on the boards of the architects, which, if finally put through, would make the trade from fair to moderate.

One large Pacific Coast dealer in plate and window glass is reported to have specified quite recently the importation of 100,000 boxes of glass from Belgium factories for Pacific seaboard delivery. Prices on this specification are not obtainable and considerable secrecy is said to be maintained about the order. The Belgium factories are not operating as briskly as they were a month ago, and during the past fortnight ten furnaces went out of fire. When they will resume no one can tell. Many factories are unable to take care of any excessive quantity of "A" glass and have sent out instructions to quote a higher price. This, of course, refers to the jobbing interests, and on both single and double in "A" quality and even then to accept only a certain percentage of "A" unless the glass happens to be already in stock.

Many of the furnaces in the different glass factories are becoming worn and the termination of the present fire is admitted to be near at hand. For that reason it will be almost utterly impossible for the jobbers to accept any large quantity orders for "A" glass. It is admitted in some offices that an avance of about five points or thereabouts on "A" quality can be reasonably anticipated, but there are others who do not believe there will be any change in the other qualities. That the Belgium factories will remain out of fire for several months is being freely admitted. With ten furnaces on the inactive list in that country, this leaves only about twelve or fourteen furnaces in active operation. In the domestic field, one of the factories in Texas recently closed its shops and it is currently reported that other plants will close down earlier than the time agreed upon by the wage scale. This is

being done, so it is said, for the purpose of installing new machinery and to make other improvements in the general line of factory upkeep.

With the general shutdown of all the hand plants only a few weeks distant, buyers are being warned now that if they expect prompt and efficient deliveries they should place their specifications at the earliest possible date. It has been even suggested that the dealers send specifications of all requirements immediately, and when these are received the factories will notify the trade whether or not these specifications can be taken care of with promptness or delay, as the occasion may arise.

At the present time there is said to be a movement on foot having for its ultimate end the consolidation of glass factories in the West and Southwest. In this connection it is averred that the factories in the Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana districts will be the ones that will be interested in this proposed movement.

From Detroit comes the report that building operations in that district are on a most active scale, and this has proved to be good news to the trade. Chicago is not up to normal, and while a number of large buildings are contemplated in the Pittsburgh district, actual work has not been started on any of these plans, save in two instances. The East is also reported to be suffering from more or less apathy in the building trade, and, as a matter of fact, this condition is being reflected in the plate glass industry.

The jobbing interests throughout the country have experienced a rather light demand for plate and window glass during the last few weeks, this being due to the general inactivity of the building contractors. In not a few districts of this country the price lists have not been of a character that would insure the jobbers wealth on every order booked. That there is a growing scarcity of first and second qualities is rather freely admitted by both brokers and jobbers everywhere. This would indicate that the price lists on all these qualities in the popular sizes will rule higher as the season advances.

UPHOLSTERING AND BEDDING SUPPLIES

Cotton Linters

The market in upholstery supplies as a whole is dull and featureless. The demand is not heavy enough to establish prices substantially and transactions are largely upon their individual merits. Cotton linters are weak in sympathy with the whole cotton market, the situation being further affected by the unusually heavy supply of linters this season.

Tow

There are no signs of a real shortage in tow, but it seems to strangely maintain its firm position. Recent custom house decisions seem to point toward a much larger importation of this material in the future and this may help in bringing down prices. It is an absurd condition of affairs that makes it necessary to import this fiber when enormous quantities of potential tow are destroyed in this country every year.

Curled Hair

Curled hair is distinctly weaker in the cheaper grades, caused by heavier supplies on hand, particularly of hog hair and other adulterants. The high priced descriptions show no signs of weakness, however, the South American market being firm.

Other Fibers

African fiber, Southern moss and similar goods, are practically unchanged. Feathers continue to advance in all grades.

Feathers

Cheap grades of chicken feathers are about one cent higher than last year, turkey feathers 1 to 2 cents higher, duck feathers 3 to 4 cents higher and goose feathers, including downs, have soared to new levels. The supply seems totally inadequate and no sign of relief is in sight. Burlap

The burlap market is unsettled and values are rather uneven. Early in April a sharp upward tendency became apparent, due to the strength of the producing points. Jute went above $170 and is now between $170 and $175.

The alarmists are at work again predicting dire calamities for the coming crop, but this seems to have had little effect. Toward the end of April, prices eased off again and the market has been rather dull. The demand from Argentina has been dull also and there seems to be an ample supply of goods on the market. Transactions have been chiefly in small lots locally and prices have been variable within a small range. On the basis of 5.75 for 101 oz. 40s, heavy weights have been in fair demand. There is a feeling that prices should be lower next season, and holders are consequently reluctant to accumulate stocks.

UPHOLSTERERS' COVERINGS

Leather

Both the hide and leather markets continue extremely dull as a whole, relieved by activity in certain specialties. Ultra-conservatism is the keynote in all departments. That the high prices ruling in the hide market are based upon actual conditions is amply attested by the manner in which they have been upheld in the face of curtailed purchases by tanners. Receipts of cattle at primary points have been very small and well-known authorities are quoted as predicting that the receipts of cattle this spring will be the lightest in years. The importation of hides from Mexico has practically ceased as a result of the recent developments in that quarter. European hides are in fair demand and command a premium. Slightly higher prices are anticipated throughout the hide market at this time, for the spring killed hides are considered more desirable by tanners and the better qualities will appear on the market from now on. Tanners are merely purchasing what they need for actual requirements and are unwilling to anticipate future needs. Some complain that they will be unable to operate unless they can bring consumers to understand the necessity for advanced prices. Upholstery leathers are very quiet at present. The automobile trade is using fair quantities but the demand from the furniture trade is dull. From one quarter there was reported a heavy demand for goat grained leather to replace the real goat skins. Prices have advanced to the point where the imitation is praetically on a parity with the real goat, with the added feature that the goat grain embossed on hides is far more economical in cutting up. Despite the dullness of the market, prices show no signs of weakening.

the Master Craftsman's Choice, Art in Gum, the Gum With an Individuality, the Gift of the Centuries and the Sovereign Cabinet Wood all receiving consideration as first, second or third choices. The preponderance of opinion was with the Master Craftsman's Choice and the Cabinet Wood DeLuxe, however, and a decision of the question as to these two led to "Figured Gum, the Cabinet Wood DeLuxe" being hit upon as the winner.

This slogan was submitted by R. E. Amoss, of 3 William street, Hammond, Ind., who has been awarded the prize. The slogan chosen will hereafter be a feature of the Louisville Veneer Mills advertising of figured gum veneers and panels, according to H. E. Snyder, advertising and sales manager of the company.

T

A Brown Wood Era

ECHNICAL writers are taking the ground, largely from the fact that American walnut is coming into favor again with furniture manufacturers, interior finish concerns, etc., that a brown wood era is at hand. They point out that with Circassian walnut and figured gum being used on account of the tone of the wood being brownish, and with fumed effects in oak and other finishes which are of the same general character being preferred to the natural finish, it is apparent that the public taste is inclining in the direction of browns.

"If this is true," said a furniture manufacturer who has ordered black walnut for use in his fall lines, "the American wood seems destined to regain the high favor which it once had in this country, and which it has continued to enjoy on the Continent, where standards of art and craftsmanship, it must be conceded, are sometimes higher than ours. Walnut has a beautiful natural brown color, which is distinctly pleasing, being rich without being ostentatious and attractive without being garish. Personally, I am inclined to rejoice that the vogue as to color is changing. We have had reds and yellows and blacks, and now that we are taking up the brown there is hope for a stimulation of interest on the part of the public in the offerings of the furniture factories,”

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HE Louisville, Ky., Veneer Mills, of which D. E. Kline is head, has concluded an interesting contest for the selection of an advertising slogan. The concern has been a leading manufacturer of figured gum veneers and panels, and has been seeking for some time a slogan which would convey in a few well-chosen words an adequate idea of the beauty and desirability of this material. It was finally decided to have a contest as a means of securing a phrase of that kind, a prize of twenty dollars in gold being offered.

Hundreds of entries were received, and the best of these were submitted to a committee of judges, composed of H. W. Marsh, of Veneers, Indianapolis; E. W. Meeker, manager of the Hardwood Record. Chicago, and J. N. Nind, Jr., advertising manager of THE FURNITURE MANUFACTURER AND ARTISAN, of Grand Rapids. The phrases which were submitted to the judges were the following: Monarch of the Woods, Art in Gum, the Gum with an Individuality, the Cinderella of Cabinet Woods, Figarel Gum Reflects Nature's Best Inspiration, Figure 1. Gumthe Master Craftsman's Choice, Figured Gum-the Gift of the Centuries; Figured Gum, the Cabinet Wood DeLuxe; the Sovereign Cabinet Wood, the Flite of Cabinet Woods, and the Premier Cabinet Wood.

The judges showed considerable variety in their choice, the Flite of Cabinet Woods, the Cabinet Wood DeLuxe,

WR

7E HAVE received from the publishers the “American Buyers' Directory," containing Kendrick's Directory of the Carpet and Uphol stery Industries, a publication of 30 years' standing. The present issue is for 1914-15, and embodies information which must prove a great saver of time to busy merchants and to their assistants as well. Its 150 page contain classified tables and an alphabetical list of manufacturers and jobbers of carpets, rugs, mattings, linoleums, upholstery goods and curtains, together with the mill titles, products of the same listed by their various brand names and trade-marks, a glossary of Oriental rug terms and various tables which will prove of invaluable service to the buyer of all classes of floor coverings and furnishings in general. Sent free on certain conditions

by The American Carpet and Upholstery Journal, 102 South Twelfth street, Philadelphia, Pa.