*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 089--- [ad] Oil Paintings and Engravings at J.E. Mathews [ad] HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY 89 must valuable wood in the manufacture of woodenware, butter boxes, and the like, though it is prone to rot easily when it comes in contact with the earth. When entirely submerged under water it lasts well, and is used to a considerable extent where it is easily obtained, in the construction of dams and booms. THE TAN BARK OAK, Or Spanish oak, is found in great quantities in the southern portion of Humboldt county. The bark often grows to a thickness of two inches, and an acre covered with these trees will often yield from six to nine tons of bark, which finds a ready market at the great tanneries of San Francisco and Santa Cruz. THE TAMARACK PINE, Or as it is locally and occasionally called "bull pine," as also "squaw pine," is found growing in sandy places, and being of a stunted growth it is seldom over 25 or 30 feet in height. THE HEMLOCK SPRUCE, A variety indigenous to the coast, is found growing amid the redwood forests of Humboldt county. As it rots quickly and is knotty, it is passed by unnoticed in lumbering. THE PACIFIC YEW Is one of the valuables trees found in Humboldt county. The wood is straight grained and when green is easily worked, but becomes very hard when seasoned. The trees seldom grow to be over 30 feet in height, and a foot in thickness is about the greatest diameter. It is most valuable for turning purposes, and was used by the Indians for their bows. THE MADRONE Is one of the valuable cabinet woods found in the county. When well seasoned it assumes a high polish, and is of medium hardness, for furnishing and cabinet work. It is also a very durable wood. THE LAUREL Is found on the choice and rich lands of the county. It furnishes a choice wood for the cabinet-maker, and for furnishing work it especially recommends itself. With the exception of the Douglas spruce, no attempt has been made to work up the fine woods of which the few above-mentioned form the leading growths. But there is no doubt a sufficient reward awaiting those who would invest capital in these woods for the requirements of the cabinet and furniture maker, and it is our belief that the day is not far distant when those who have the capital to use for the purpose, will perceive the wealth possessed by Humboldt county in its forest trees, and will take advantage of the great opportunities awaiting those who seek their developement. AGRICULTURE IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Humboldt county has no superior as an agricultural county, and but few equals in this direction. The soil and climate are especially adapted to vegetable growth, and this is so to a marked degree with potatoes, in which product [ad] Gibbard & Lever --MAKE A SPECIALTY OF-- Ornamental Mantels Cor. Third and H. sts, Pioneer Building, Eureka [ad] ---end---