190 THE BEST METHOD OF SEASONING TIMBER. 



XXI. On the Best Method of Seasoning Timber. By Thomas 

 "Wilkie, Forester, Invergarry, Fort-Augustus. 



The best method of seasoning timber at present in use is to fell 

 the trees between the end of September and beginning of April, 

 to have pine logs raised a foot above the ground, and exposed to 

 light and air without shade. Having lain thus for two years, they 

 may be sawn into boards or planks, and stored in a dry but airy 

 shed for another year, before being worked up by the carpenter. 

 Hardwoods ought to be stored in like manner till the bark falls 

 off, when they shoidd be sawn into planking for use. The syca- 

 more, maple, and birch, however, soon become discoloured; the 

 best method is to chip and saw them immediately after the sap is 

 out of them, then store them in a dry shed as above. This pro- 

 cess, however, costs much labour and expense. To avoid these, I 

 recommend the adoption of the following method : Mark all trees 

 which will be useful or saleable during summer, as sickly plants 

 are then more easily observed. During September ring or girdle 

 all trees marked 1^ inches round the bole where they are to be 

 cut, then allow twelve months to elapse before felling, during 

 which time they will have died, and I believe will have lost 

 nearly two-fifths of their weight, and be fit for sawing up at once. 

 This would reduce the cost of transit, including dragging, carting, 

 and railway carriage, by the above extent of two-fifths nearly. 

 The result would be the enhanced value of the timber to the pro- 

 prietor, which on a largely- wooded property would be considerable. 

 For example, 150 acres of ground are to be cleared, upon which 

 are growing 60 tons of wood per acre, making 9000 tons in all, at 

 a distance of 110 miles from Glasgow per railway, and 6 miles 

 from the nearest station ; reckoning the cost of dragging and cart- 

 ing per ton at 7s. 6d., and railway carriage 12s. 6d., total 20s. per 

 ton, the gross expense of transit would be £9000 ; calculating that 

 nearly two-fifths can be saved by ringing the trees as above de- 

 scribed, the cost will be reduced by say 6s. 6d. per ton, equal to 

 £2925, and the gross expense to £6075. Thereby the seller 

 would receive £2925 more for his wood, and, allowing £100 for 

 the expense of ringing the trees, would save £2825. I recom- 



