270 ON THE USE OF STEAM POWER IN FORESTRY. 



In clearing old woods for replanting, the locomotive would be of 

 great service, as by its aid the beetle pest could almost be got rid of 

 — by having all the old roots removed immediately after the timber. 

 In this way replanting could be proceeded with much sooner after 

 the removal of the old crop than is usually the case. The tearing 

 up of the roots exposes a large surface of soil to the fertilising 

 influence of the atmosphere, and thus prevents the growth of fungus 

 so common among old roots, and so injurious to young plantations. 

 On estates largely wooded the locomotive engine would in this and 

 other ways forward the forest work in a speedy and profitable manner, 

 even should it not be contemplated to manufacture the wood. 

 When the producer fells, but does not manufacture his wood, the 

 road locomotive could be used for the transport of the rough timber 

 to market, but at least from 15 to 20 per cent, would be lost, and 

 this course would only be advisable when the wood is not suitable 

 for manufacture, as pit wood and common burn wood. 



A few years ago we had occasion to clear a large plantation of 

 heavy beech trees. Having found a market for the timber eleven 

 miles distant, and advertised for carters, a number came forward 

 with offers, among others an engine hirer from the district. On 

 opening the tenders it was found that the engine-hirer was 50 per 

 cent, lower than any of the carters, and he, after paying all expenses, 

 including tear and wear, had 7 per cent, profit. 



The large amount of capital required to begin operations is a 

 reason given for the locomotive not being largely used in the transit 

 of timber ; but putting steam and horse-power side by side for one 

 year, it will be found, as shown below, that a large balance lies in 

 favour of steam. The following is the cost of an 8-horse power 

 locomotive engine with two waggons, and the probable expense for 

 one year, including one horse and cart — a necessary appendage in 

 forest work : — 



8-horse power road locomotive, 

 Two waggons to carry 8 tons, 

 Horse, cart, and harness, 

 Interest on capital, at 4 per cent,, 

 Keeping, shoeing, &c, of horse, 

 Driver, .... 



Fuel for engine for 313 days, 



L.525 



144 



85 



30 3 2 



56 12 



40 



110 



Carry forward, L.990 15 2 



