1 14 The Journal of Forestry. 



accelerate the oxidation where it comes in contact with the iron, much in 

 the same way as the decomposition of certain metals takes place when in 

 contact with each other. 



I may here remark that I have been in the habit of using what is 

 termed " Lava," instead of the common mixture of brimstone and sand, 

 which, if not of the proper proportions and the proper quality of sand, is a 

 very unsatisfactory compound for fixing iron standards. Indeed, I was 

 lately more than astonished to find that some extensive fence manufacturers 

 use this worthless com2)ound (sand and brimstone), and were quite unaware 

 that such a thing as lava was to be had. 



The advantages of lava are that the compound is to be had ready made, 

 that is, it requires no mixing or preparation other than being melted in a 

 pot. It sets at once, as hard as a whinstone, and a mere effective batting 

 material I have not seen. I am not aware what the compound is made 

 up of, but it is very like slag from an ironstone furnace, and doubtless 

 brimstone enters largely into its composition. It may naturally be inferred 

 that this "lava" is just as likely to be injurious to iron standards as the 

 common brimstone mixture. However, I do not think so. I have just 

 made an inspection of some iron fencing erected four years ago on the top of 

 a stone dyke, the standards of which were fixed with " lava," and I can find 

 no apparent injury from the contact of the lava with the iron. Of course 

 the fence had a coating of coal tar after being put up, and another coating 

 about two years ago, which may have somewhat averted the injurious 

 consequences. 



It occurs to me that the injurious effects of brimstone maybe aggravated 

 by the iron standards being allowed to rust from want of paint or from an 

 imperfect coat of it. It is very easy to understand that if iron standards 

 are allowed to oxidize or rust, the metal will become gradually thinner, 

 especially if in the neighbourhood of the sea air, and form a cavity or 

 receptacle for every shower that strikes against the fence, thereby increasing 

 rust and hastening decay, the best preventive against w^hich is a regular 

 system of painting with the best materials, care being taken that the work 

 is properly executed. 



In fasteniug or batting standards, whatever kind of cement is used, there 

 should be no cavity left round the neck of the standards, but all should be 

 properly filled up and carefuUy smoothed over, and the fence kept properly 

 painted, not onhj what is seen, but also that which is immediatehj under the 

 surface. Iron, like wood, is most liable to decay between the wet and the 

 dry. James Kay, 



Bute Estate, Rothsaij. Maij lith, 1877. Forester. 



A FRIENDLY CRITICISM. 



Sir, — Having received the first number of the Journal of Forestry, allow 

 me to congratulate you on its success, as, owing to its style and manner 

 of treatment of its subjects, I think there is every prospect of a bright 

 future in store for it. I shall not in the least try to review the contents, as 



