254 Forestry Quarterly. 



year, and also when the weighings were continued from one sum- 

 mer through the winter into the succeeding summer. Timbers 

 which had become fairly dry ceased to lose or even absorb 

 moisture during rainy or cold, damp weather. Timbers cut under 

 such conditions showed a moisture loss regardless of the weather, 

 and by the time warm, dry weather arrived their seasoning had 

 advanced so far that the rate of loss was fairly constant through- 

 out both periods. 



"Of two pieces of wood differing in moisture content, other 

 conditions being equal, the one with most moisture will dry the 

 more rapidly, and in a comparatively short time both pieces will 

 reach about the same condition. This rule does not apply strictly 

 between different species, even when of similar structure and in 

 pieces of the same size and form, but with conifers the usual 

 variation between the species does not seem sufficient to neces- 

 sitate separate treatment. 



"Sapwood of the conifers contains, as a rule, very much more 

 moisture than does the heartwood, and the difference in the pro- 

 portion of heartwood and sapwood in two timbers of the same 

 species accounts for a large part of the difference in moisture 

 content, But sapwood loses moisture more rapidly than the heart- 

 wood, and this tends to equalize the time required for the two 

 pieces to become air-dry. . . . 



"The complaint is not at all uncommon that cross-ties or other 

 timbers of certain species, such as the soft pines, the gums, beech 

 and maple, will decay before they will season. It is believed that 

 this can be prevented usually by piling the timbers so as to dry 

 rapidly. The tree should be barked as soon as felled, and the 

 timbers piled openly. Injury by insects may be prevented in the 

 same manner. 



"While quick seasoning prevents injury by decay and insects, 

 it is not always necessary or desirable. Timber cut and set dry- 

 ing in hot weather checks more seriously than in cold weather, 

 and sometimes becomes 'case-hardened' and very resistant to pre- 

 servative treatment. Timber cut in the late autumn or winter 

 seasons more slowly and evenly; if peeled and properly stacked, 

 or skidded off the ground, it dries enough before warm weather 

 to resist attack by insects or fungi. But whatever the time of 

 cutting, careful attention is needed in piling the timber, either 



