Editors Box. 657 



ironmongers are too much rounded on the back and front edges for general 

 forest work. The rounding at the point should extend below the straight 

 edge I of an inch, and up the blade about 2 inches. The handle of the 

 hook should be shaped as in the illustration, with thfi exception of the 

 socket. I should prefer 2k ferrule on the handle, and a shank to the hook, 

 to go through the handle, and to be well riveted on. Presuming you will 

 not think these remarks out of place, as mj sole object is to add my mite 

 to enable us to advance towards perfection, and also to induce a free 

 di.scussion on subjects connected with the profession. 



Hawkstone, Salop. Eichard Jandrell. 



THE SILVER FIR. 



Sir, — In last issue I observe an article 01 considerable importance 

 on the use of " Silver Fir for Railway Sleepers, &c." I have often 

 been disappointed with the price realized for silver fir, as I consider it 

 more valuable than Scots fir for any purpose where it is exposed to the 

 atmosphere. As a proof of this I will give an example which came 

 under my notice. 



Many years ago a shed was put up in which to dry wood. The roof 

 was constructed of three-fourths silver fir boarding, but to complete the same 

 one Scots fir board was used, which was sawn from a tree of the same age, 

 and which grew in the same place as the silver fir. After a few years the 

 Scots fir board was found to be decayed, and replaced by another of the 

 same kind ; and lately, when the shed was removed, this second Scots fir 

 board was by far the most decayed of any in the roof. This roof had never 

 been tarred nor covered in any way. When silver fir is clean grown it 

 makes very durable paling, but is perhaps more easily broken than common 

 fir. 



Another recommendation to the silver fir is the rapidity with which it 

 grows, especially where the soil is of a suitable nature, and it is to be found 

 doing well on a variety of soils. Last spring I saw a silver fir cut which 

 measured 60 feet. In the same plantation, none of the other varieties 

 measure above 40 feet, and only few that much, while the larch are much 

 affected with dry-rot. The experiment begun by such an experienced 

 observer as Mr. McCorquodale will be, I have little doubt, of great com- 

 mercial importance, not only to growers of wood, but also to the railway 

 companies, and I hope to see the sleeper thus tried reported on annually 

 in your journal. 



M. R. 



