S02 



Journal of AgncuLtiire. 



[lo Dec, 1909. 



the tree. By this method two, thi-ee, or more sheets of l)ark may be removed 

 from tlie one tree, taking the topmost sheet oft' first and working downwards. 

 Having girdled the tree, the next t)i)eration is to make a perpendicular 

 incision the full length of the sheet of bark, wliidi is then gently prised off" 

 with a light pole of suthcient length and pliable enough to curve freely 

 round the bole of the tree. Care must be exercised in prising oft" the bark, 

 ■otherwise the sheet of bark will split on the inner side, and then becomes 

 useless for roofing purposes. When the sheec of bark has been successfully 

 removed from the tree the next operation is to take off the rough outer por- 

 tion. This is termed " dressing" the bark. The best implement for this 

 purpose is a sharp spade, as it leaves a smooth even outer surface. Some 

 judgment is called for in dressing so as not to remove too much of the outer 

 bark ; though an over-dressed sheet of bark may present a more pleasing 

 appearance, it will prove much less durable 



I'KISINfi OFF. 



The next opei'ation will depend on \arviiig circumstances, of which the 

 weather is the most important. Should the work be carried on in the winter 

 season, when there is an absence of hot sun and drviiig winds, the sheet of 

 bark may be placed, outer side downwards, (in the ground ; a small stick is 

 placed so as to hold the .sheet about half ojien until it toughens and becomes 

 pliable, usually in about two days. The sheet is then turned, inside down- 

 wards, and gently fiattened out and left thus foi- a few days longer when 

 the bark may be cai-ted in i-eady for stacking. When the work of stripping 

 is carried out in latespi'ing or earlv summer, anntliei- method is employed, as 



