REPORT ON THE EXCURSION TO FRANCE. 129 



In the best of the older parts of this forest, the final yield will 

 not be less than 7000 cubic feet, representing a money value of 

 over jC2oo per acre. 



Numerous saw-mills for the conversion of the produce from 

 this forest were seen along the valleys and the edges of the 

 wood. Owing to the scarcity of water, the motive-power for 

 these mills is limited, for it was seldom that more than one frame- 

 'saw was seen at work in any mill. In this particular district 

 the haulage is mostly done by bullocks, and it was remarkable 

 to see the enormous loads with which those animals trudged 

 along. 



In the majority of cases, the slopes of the mountains are so 

 steep that neither bullocks nor horses can be got to remove 

 timber with any degree of safety. In such instances other 

 means have to be adopted. 



On the steeper ground, down tracks formed for the purpose, 

 the logs are slid by their own weight to the bottom of the slopes ; 

 but where the ground is less steep, the logs are taken down on 

 sledges, which are slid over specially constructed roads. These 

 sledge-roads are formed by cutting a suitable track, and placing 

 across it, at intervals of about 2 feet, lengths of saplings 

 which are fixed at the ends by means of pegs driven into the 

 ground. 



The sledge, which is made of a light hardwood frame, is 

 guided down this track by a man who places himself in front, 

 with his back to the load, and who, from long experience, can 

 deftly lead it down the desired course. 



This kind of work is generally contracted for, so much being 

 allowed for the cubic metre of wood, the price varying according 

 to the distance from which the logs are taken. On inquiry, it 

 was found that woodmen doing this kind of work earn an 

 average wage of from 3s. 6d. to 4s. per day, while the ordinary 

 woodman earns an average wage of i6s. per week. It was 

 interesting to note how few signs of disease or of decay of any 

 kind were to be seen in this vast forest ; even the very old trees, 

 which are probably more than 300 years of age, looked the very 

 picture of health. 



Lunch having been served in the forest, driving was afterwards 

 resumed through a picturesque and splendidly wooded country 

 until Raon was again reached, where the party took train for 

 Gerardmer, arriving there about 7 p.m. 



VOL. XVIII. I 



