6 
the plant to a single leader by the removal of rival ones, the 
shortening back of side shoots that have become unduly vigorous, 
and the gradual removal of the lower branches as the tree increases 
in height till a clean trunk of (say) 6 feet has been formed. 
tos the plants are pruned they assume a more or less bushy 
orm. 
III.—ALDER CLOG SOLES. 
A complete series of specimens illustrating the manufacture of 
clog soles from the wood of Alnus glutinosa has recently been 
added to the Museums through the instrumentality of Mr. Herbert 
Robertson, 
The specimens were obtained from Mr, John Beattie, of Ennis- 
corthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland. 
It appears that the stems, when about 6 inches or more in 
diameter, are cut into lengths of about 1 foot; these are split 
longitudinally and cut into shape on the spot and then exported 
to Lancashire or Scotland for the finishing process. The following 
article, copied from the Timber News and Saw Mills Engineer for 
October 8th, 1900, describes this Roc tags under the heading of 
* Alder and Birch for Clog Soles 
“The quantity of timber cual required for the manufacture 
of clog soles is much greater than one would imagine. To supply 
the ry Hah ietieat sites. vast | ape of fair-sized birch, 
alder, and sycamore are required ; but as the making of the clog 
soles’ usually takes place in the woodland where the trees are 
felled, only the converted wood in the me of rough soles is 
conveyed to the towns and villages—the refuse being sold at a 
cheap rate for a paws The timber most in request is that of 
clean growth and not too large—about 8 to 12 inches in diameter 
—and alder is wanally preferred, it bible readily and producing 
a nice . ean sole of good lasting properties and not liable to 
splinter or crack. With wonderful rapidity rs the work of con- 
verting the rough log into the clog sole proceeded with. First, 
the timber is cross-cut into lengths, then split into thickness, and 
finally, by a neatly contrived knife fitted to a block, the soles are 
eut out to almost the finished shape and dimension 
“From 8d. to 10d. per cube foot is the price ively paid for 
small alder, birch, and other timber suitable for clog-makin ng, with 
an allowance from the seller that the soles may be cut out in the 
wood where the trees have been felled, this minimising consider- 
ably the expenses connected with unnecessary haulage and 
eartage.” 
Other interesting illustrations of the application of alder wood 
will be found in Museum No. 1, 
