152 THE LAECH. 



Only two implements are used for tlie work after 

 the trees are cut down, namely, the peeling iron, 

 chisel, or tanspud, as it is variously termed, and the 

 hand- bill or hook-bill for making incisions, and cutting 

 the bark into lengths of about three feet. The sap in 

 the larch tree starts very early, and the work of peeling 

 may be begun soon after the buds begin to swell. 



The bark is easily harvested, if only carried to an 

 open, airy place, and set on end ; or, which is some- 

 times done, hung over a paling fence, stone dyke, or 

 rail erected for the purpose. When dry, it is carted to 

 a loft, barn, or shed, where it is chopped up into pieces 

 2 inches square or thereby, and put into bags, each 

 containing 12 to 16 stones, for the market. 



The stripping or peeling is done in most parts of 

 Scotland at about 20s. per ton; chipping or hatchet- 

 ing and bagging, about 7s. per ton. 



The following transactions took place either directly 

 or indirectly under my own observation within the 

 last few years. 



Transaction No. i. Twenty-seven tons of bark, 

 which realised in the market £^7^ 2s., and cost the 

 following : — 



Peeling or tan-flaying 



Chipping and bagging 



Carting to railway station, and trucking 



Railway carriage .... 



Discounts ..... 



Incidentals ..... 



;^26 3 I 



9 5 II 

 700 



19 8 2 



2 12 9 



I 15 o 



;^66 4 II 



