232 



LOGGING 



on a two-pole slide and from 8 inches to 15 inches apart when 

 the third pole is used. The timbers are usually placed with 

 their butts up grade because they sliver less; some, however, 

 prefer them placed in the opposite manner. The timbers are 

 joined together by a simple lap joint, and are sunk into a skid 

 directly beneath them and fastened to it by i|-inch or 2-inch 

 hardwood treenails, or §-inch by 12-inch iron spikes. In order 

 to strengthen the slide the joints are always broken. 





ir<*As^ ;^ X. 



Fig. 64. — The Terminus of a Log Slide. Idaho. 



On level stretches a slide is built on the ground and requires 

 a minimum of bracing and support, while on steep pitches and 

 in crossing depressions it is supported on crib work and is 

 thoroughly braced because rigidity is important. 



When the round logs are in place and securely fastened to the 

 cross-skids, men are set to work to hew the inner faces of the 

 slide timbers. This is particular work because any irregularities 

 on the face of the sHde will cause logs to jump. The scoring line 

 is laid off with a chalk line and the timbers then scored with a 

 felling ax and finally hewed smooth with a broadax. 



