PREFACE 



In order to meet intelligently the demand for information 

 about the distillation of hardwoods in New York State, the 

 New York State College of Forestry decided to carry on as 

 one phase of its research work, an investigation of the com- 

 mercial methods used in the distillation of hardwoods in the 

 State. This industry was started and largely developed 

 within the State. New York is still one of the leading states 

 engaged in the distillation of hardwoods. 



In writing the report, the purpose throughout has been to 

 make the explanations as simple and clear as possible, using 

 as few technical and involved terms as are consistent and in 

 many instances engaging in reiteration that may at times 

 seem unnecessary. The industry is closely identified with 

 certain aspects of chemistry, but the author has purposely 

 avoided a discussion of chemical changes that take place in 

 the distillation of wood since the intent has been to make the 

 report valuable to the w^ood producer and user in New York 

 State rather than to those engaged directly in the work of 

 wood distillation. 



In the conduct of the investigation form letters were sent 

 to every wood distillation plant in the State to obtain 

 information upon woods used, equipment, methods and costs, 

 daily and annual capacities and yields in charcoal, wood 

 alcohol and acetate of lime. Personal visits have also been 

 made to most of the twenty-five plants in New York State as 

 well as several in other states and information has been 

 checked up by a number of those prominent in the industry. 



The author wishes to express cordial appreciation of the 

 kindly interest shown him by those engaged in the industry. 

 He wishes especially to express his sincere gratitude to the 

 following men who have shown interest in the work and have 



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