A SKETCH ON SWEDISH FORESTRY 787 



and forms, or else other results previously obtained in the same or 

 similar stands are made use of. The "measuring off" into logs of the 

 tree classes marked down is often done first on paper giving an approx- 

 imation on the best methods of cutting the number of logs, and their 

 quantity and sizes, for saw timber, pulp, charcoal, wood, etc. Thus a 

 fair knov^ledge of the cut exists before the winter operations begin. 



As a rule the hauling distances do not exceed five miles, two miles 

 are more common. One-horse sleighs are always used and the roads 

 are quite narrow, so that very little road preparation has to be made 

 during the fall. The cutting begins seriously about November and a 

 certain amount of logs may be skidded together if the snow holds off 

 for any time ; but as far as possible hauling and felling keep pace with 

 each other. By using myriads of small by-roads, or really paths, the 

 hauler manages to gather his load where it was felled. The only 

 ''skidding" necessary is really done by a man who draws and rolls 

 logs where they will be convenient for loading. For handling the logs 

 he uses a sort of ice tong-like implement, peavies and cant hooks being 

 entirely unknown except for a crude sort of a hook and ring with a 

 club slipped through, giving an impression that it may be the peavy of 

 our ancestors. 



For felling, the snow is scuttled away and very low stumps are left, 

 almost always flat with the ground or at least just at the top of any 

 root swelling or deformation. Among the various saws used, one look- 

 ing like a carpenter's saw is the favorite and is handled by one man. 

 American cross-cut saws with two men are also seen, but the amount 

 cut per man is not so great as in the other way. In most places pulp- 

 wood and even saw logs may be barked. It is, or was, done partly on 

 account of a law protecting the fisheries, but it is also claimed that 

 lighter logs have certain advantages. They are said to be about 8 per 

 cent lighter to transport, easier to skid ; they dry better, being thus 

 better for floating; they are much easier to handle in driving and do 

 not jam so easily ; lastly pulp factories claim that it saves both barking 

 and barking knives because the logs remain cjuite clean and free of 

 sand. Yet this barking takes 40 per cent of the woodcutter's time. 



After the tree is felled, trimmed, and perhaps barked, it is looked 

 over and marked off into logs by a so-called "adapter." This man has 

 very special work, and can waste or save timber for the company ac- 

 cording as he is well trained or careless. I le must be an expert at the 

 judging of rot damage, 'the suitability of the tree for any set of logs, 



