The following is an extract of a letter received from Mr. Lamb as to the original tree:
"November 27, 1929
Lamb Figured Walnut—
Cut into veneers @ 6 to 18c per sq. ft. (1/28")
Use: Furniture
Amount of veneers 60627' [Value: $8,637.62 to $10,918.86 (Prewar!)—Ed.]
Logs produced:
8' x 21"—144 Log Ft.
6' x 18"— 73 " "
10' x 36"—640 " "
14' x 30"—591 " "
10' x 32"—490 " "
Stump —500 " "
_____
2438
Location of tree—Ada, Kent County, Michigan.
Location—River flat 20 rods from river.
Soil-Gravel loam.
Type of tree—Open grown.
Shape—-Double stump.
Height—40 ft.
Figure—Throughout the tree."
Mr. Lamb further states in his letter: "Unquestionably it was one of the most thoroughly figured trees ever discovered, and if figured wood will propagate itself this stock should, certainly should, do so."
He further states, "The figure in this tree was quite apparent, even in the small branches, while the Forest Products Laboratory found evidence of a developing figure in the twigs not over five years old."
The wood specimens I now have on exhibit here were taken from one of my 12-year-old grafted trees that I cut, and in them you will find figure visible to the naked eye, or easily noticeable by touching with a finger, in wood from branches not over 7 years old.
Comparing age at which figure shows in the wood of the two trees, this young tree seems to be developing figure at an early age, as in the parent tree.
My confidence in this outcome had never been shaken by the doubts of others. Few seemed to share this belief with me, and for this reason I have never pushed the sale of Lamb trees. Now I do not hesitate to state that curly figure will reproduce in any propagated Lamb trees, as the evidence before you here is stronger than any argument.