Deteriorated alder wood from a 2500-year-old water saturated sediment was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The deterioration varied according to cell type. Vessel elements were the best preserved cell type followed by ray cells and then fibers. These results are consistent with the chemical composition of the various cell types, chemical analysis of the wood, and dimensional behavior of the cells reported in previous studies. The results reported here indicate that cells with high guaiacyl lignin concentration were the least deteriorated. Those with high syringyl lignin concentration were the most deteriorated. Areas within the wood with very high lignin concentration were preserved better than areas where lignin concentration was low regardless of the lignin type. -- AATA