218 



To make and deliver a hewed tie costs about three cents less than 

 if it were sawed, and inspection is much less rigid, so that a slightly 

 undersized or defective tie will be accepted if hewed, when it would 

 be rejected if sawed. Most timber will, however, yield about one-third 

 more in sawed ties. The only exception is the case of a clear tree with 

 a moderate crook. In this case the curve of the grain would be fol- 

 lowed by the hewer, while the saw would cut straight through and 

 waste a big slab. On the whole, however, there is much less waste in 

 sawing than in hewing. Sometimes props and cordwood are made 

 from the portions of the tree that can not be made into ties, and this 

 saves a great deal of wood which would otherwise be wasted. 



MINE TIMBERS 



The mining of bituminous coal is an industry of great importance 

 in Illinois, and one which creates a large demand for timber, especially 

 of low grade and small size. The small timber used for mining pur- 

 poses consists chiefly of props, caps, and mine-ties. Props are from 

 four and one-half to ten feet long, depending on the thickness of the 

 coal seam, and from three to six inches across at the small end, either 

 split or round. Most of the props are used in galleries which will be 

 worked out in the course of six months or a year, and consequently 

 durability is not essential, since almost any wood will last this length 

 of time, if strong enough to resist the mechanical strain. Therefore, 

 practically all woods are used for props, although oak is preferred and 

 black oak is used to a greater extent than any other wood. The cost 

 averages slightly less than one cent per linear foot at the southern 

 mines, and slightly more at the northern, where there is practically no 

 local supply. 



Caps are small pieces usually about an inch thick, six inches wide, 

 and sixteen inches long, which are used to wedge the props in place. 

 Sometimes they are split, but board ends, slabs, and other sawmill 

 waste is used. The cost is from $4 to $7 per thousand, delivered. 



Mine-ties vary in size from three to five and one-half feet in length 

 and from three to five inches in thickness. They are either split or 

 round sticks squared off on two sides, and consist chiefly of oak, 

 although many other woods are used where permanence is not required. 

 The cost at the mine is from three and one-half to ten cents each. 



There is also a considerable amount of larger timber used in more 

 permanent construction both inside and outside of the mines. This 

 includes entry props and collars, and lumber used in building tipples. 

 Higher grades are required for this work, and often the local supply 

 is not able to meet the requirements. White oak and yellow pine are 

 shipped in from the South for these purposes. 



