Demand strengthened and activity livened up in the eastern spruce lumber market yesterday. Orders flowed as a result. Buyers did their best to counter the mills but had little success in getting them to accept lower numbers. Cheap quotes could not be easily covered, leading traders to either having to pay up to get or not take the orders. The influx of sales enabled the mills to add to growing order files. There was less available from them as the day progressed. It looked and felt like the fragile market was beginning to change direction. Supply was still evident, but the jury was out, sizing up demand.