Wooden identification blocks

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the invention, each block of a set of wooden blocks bears indicia of the tree species of the wood from which the block is made.
In preferred embodiments, the blocks are configured as building blocks for children.
The indicia on each block show the shape or includes living tree from which the lumber for the block is derived.
The indicia are laser etched upon the blocks.
The indicia comprise a picture of a living tree, divided into two portions, one portion showing the tree foliated and one portion showing the tree defoliated.
The indicia also includes a picture of a leaf of the living tree, the common name of the tree species and the taxonomic name.
The blocks are accompanied by a data sheet further describing the woods and trees of the blocks of the set.
Among the advantages of the invention are the following.
The blocks teach the connection between the living tree and the lumber derived from the tree.
The three-dimensional block is a distinct improvement over the pictorial representation of the wood presented in a book, as one can observe the subtle effects as light is diffracted and reflected from the grain at varying angles.
The blocks are helpful to the craftsman who wishes to identify lumber whose identification is either lost or doubtful or who wishes to make an appropriate selection of species for an intended use.
Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the figures, description, and the claims.