144 LOGGING 



rolled toward the track, leaving a clearance of approximately 

 lo feet between the first log and the rail. Logs are seldom 

 decked more than four high as it is more economical to place 

 new skids than to spend time in decking. 



Where power loaders are used, skidways are often merely areas 

 along the track from which the brush and debris have been 

 removed so that the teams can deliver the logs. In a flat region 

 where plenty of space is available the logs are seldom decked. 

 It is unnecessary to have logs arranged parallel to the track or 

 placed on skids since the loader can pick them up readily at 

 distances not to exceed loo feet. If there are steep slopes near 

 the railroad, logs are often hauled to the edge and rolled down 

 by gravity, forming a "rough and tumble" skidway. This pro- 

 vides a large storage area and reduces labor in handling the logs. 

 Since power loaders can readily pick up logs several feet below 

 the level of the track the logger can locate his railroad without 

 reference to loading sites. See Fig. 78. 



