Chicago, August 14, 1900
I have your letter of 10th inst. You can obtain spruce from
Keith Lumber Co.
Cor. 14th & Wood Sts.
Chicago
It should be sapwood, clear, straight-grained, and thoroughly seasoned; but as this is an Eastern wood I should judge you can get it to better advantage in Cincinnati.
I enclose a paper of mine, published last year in Germany, in which you will find (page 39) a recipe for the varnish which I have found the best. I have also used "spar varnish" but it does not shrink the cloth.