110 



of seven years from 0.407 to O.O^'J francs, while oak ties had cost 0.605 

 francs. From Algvria it is reported that the nse of metal ties (over 

 100,000) had saved one-fourth of the labor otherwise required for 

 maintenance, or about $00 per mile per annum. 



Report of experiiments in wood seasoxixg, G. H. Ellis (pp. 

 57-67). — This was i)repared by the chemist of the Chicago, Burling- 

 ton and Quincy Railroad Company. 



The result of this series of experiments shows tliat the nioiitli during whidi 

 the seasoning liegins varies with the kind of wood. 



(1) Tliat for oalv the seasoning commences in ]March or April: with i)ine the 

 exact month C(juld not he decided, as it was not placed mider oliservation until 

 late (April), hut all test pieces showed a loss of moisture within a fortnight 

 after heing exposed. 



Ash and whitewood conunenced to lose moisture in Ajiril, and elm innnediately 

 on heing exposed, in .January. 



No law can be deduced from the expei-iments as to the exact time that seascn- 

 ing ends, as the woods all vary ; but as a general rule it may be stated that in 

 all woods (except perhaps elm) seasoning virtually ends with the end of the 

 summer months. 



(2) All woods take up moisture in slight amounts during wet weather of the 

 fall and winter months. 



(3) Pine of small dimensions (such as 1-inch flooring) will absorb moisture 

 during the wet months. 



(4) As shown by these experiments, one season of average weather is gen- 

 erally sufttcieut to season woods for purposes of construction. 



Relation of railways to the timber resources of the United 

 States, E. E. R. Tratman, C. E. (pp. 68-73). — This is a paper which 

 was read before the American Forestry Congress at Atlanta, Ga., 

 December 8, 1888. Four ways in which the railways may help to 

 economize the timber supply of the country are discussed, viz : (1) By 

 taking more care in the selection, cutting, and storing of timber; (2) 

 by the more general use of iron, steel, stone, brick, concrete, etc., for 

 bridges, trestles, buildings, and other construction works; (3) by the 

 introduction of some efficient and economical preservative process; 

 and (1) by the introduction of metal cross-ties. The necessity for 

 devices to prevent the burning of forests by fires kindled by loco- 

 motives is also ureed. 



