10 INTRODUCTION. 



shorter, or rectangular instead of square, in each case the proportion 

 of each of the aggregates changes, and hence it stands to reason that 

 the strength of the column, or beam, or stick, changes according to 

 the manner in which it is cut from the tree. This most evident and 

 important fact has, it seems, escaped our best engineers and experi- 

 menters, who have tested beams without taking account of this disturb- 

 ing element, and it is certainly overlooked most generally by builders 

 and carpenters in their selection of material. 



While it may perhaps not be expected that the sawing at the mill 

 will be done with more care so as to secure the best results in applica- 

 tion, or that the special advantage of quarter sawing will soon be suffi- 

 ciently appreciated so as to extend its use in such a manner that the 

 greater efficiency of the quarter-sawed material will compensate for the 

 greater expense of the operation, wood users may at least be expected 

 to make their selections from the sawed material in the yard, and 

 shape it for their particular use with greater care. 



There is no country in which wood is more lavishly used than in the 

 United States, and none in which nature has more bountifully provided 

 for all reasonable requirements. In the absence of proper efforts to 

 secure reproduction, the most valuable kinds are rapidly being deci- 

 mated, and the necessity of a more rational and careful use of what 

 remains is clearly apparent. By greater care in selection, however, not 

 only can the duration of the supply be extended, but more satisfactory 

 results will accrue from its use. 



B. E. Fernow. 



Washington, D. C, September 15, 1895. 



