250 The Journal of Forestry. 



Third, as to durability of timber. — Trees felled green do not season 

 uniformly throughout the whole mass of the stem ; while the upper 

 part, which is exposed to the sun and air, dries, the lower half, near 

 the ground, remains moist. On the other hand, when a tree is left 

 standing after being girdled, exposed on all sides to a free current of 

 air, there is less likelihood of decomposition and decay than in a tree 

 felled green. This is a consideration of much importance, as this 

 timber derives its high value from its resistance to decay. 



Finally, we are reminded that the advantages of seasoning timber 

 by girdling do not apply under all circumstances, as in the case of 

 Admiralty teak planks, for as soon as a tree is cut up into scantlings 

 the wood dries more rapidly than if left entire, girdled or ungirdled. 

 Such were the differences of opinion between Dr. Brandis, the Indian 

 Inspector-General of Forests, and his subordinates, on the question of 

 girdling. It will be best to offer no comment, but merely to lay this 

 condensed statement of the case before our readers, and whose opinion 

 upon the merits of girdling timber in this country we will be glad to 

 receive. 



W. E. 



The Rug attacking Silver Fir« 



It has been said by some that this insect restricts itself to a certain 

 limit from the sea, but having had considerable experience in woods 

 adjoining the Atlantic Ocean, I find this is not the^ case, as I saw it 

 often too plentifully close upon the sea, within less than a stone's cast 

 of its shores. On this property, on the very edge of Loch Fyne, 

 within four yards of it, many trees are covered with the insect 

 from top to bottom, and being most anxious to preserve a few of 

 those affected, I would be glad to hear of any practicable suggestions, 

 so as to destroy the insect and save the trees. I at one time thought 

 that confinement, or too close growing of the trees, was the only cause 

 of their being infested, but I have since learned that they are often 

 attacked, even though grown singly, as they are in many cases on this 

 property, and where they have never at any time been crushed or 

 crowded upon by other trees. The cause I now attribute to the same 

 influences as that I have advanced regarding the propagation of the 

 Hylurgus piniperda in another paper to this Journal. 



Ardkinglas. Thomas Wilkie. 



