TIMBER SLIDES AND CHUTES 239 



Logs are usually rolled directly into slides either from large 

 skidways on which many logs are stored when extensive runs are 

 made, or from small skidways where the logs are sent down as they 

 are yarded. In some cases skidways are dispensed with, the 

 timbers being spread apart at the head of the slide and the logs 

 dragged directly into it. 



On running slides logs are sent down singly. Where a part 

 or all of the slide is a trailing one from ten to forty logs are 

 made up into a turn, but if there is a possibility of the logs 

 running even for a short distance they are not fastened together. 



In making up a turn on a trailing sHde a log is rolled from the 

 skidway into the slide, and is then hauled down a log length by 

 a tow horse or team, so that the next log may be rolled in. Both 

 are then moved ahead for another log length by attaching the 

 tow Hne to the rear of the last log. The process is repeated until 

 a turn is made up, when a team is attached to the rear end of the 

 last log by a chain or rope from 

 30 feet to 50 feet long, to which 

 is fastened an "L" hook, swamp 

 hook, grab hook or "jay grab." 

 The tow is then started for the 

 • landing. If the logs start to 

 run in the shde the teamster can Fig. 70. — An "L" Hook used for 

 readily detach the hook and free Attaching the Tow Line to the Turn 

 the team which otherwise might ° °^''' 



be dragged down. The team drags the turn of logs to the land- 

 ing, or until the grade becomes sufficient for the logs to run, 

 whereupon the tow is started down the slide and the team 

 returns to the head for more logs. The tow is picked up by 

 another team on the first "dead" stretch and dragged to the 

 next running portion of the slide. 



To reduce friction during the summer season the slow stretches 

 of a slide are watered, or are greased with a cheap form of skid 

 grease or crude petroleum. During the cold season such stretches 

 are iced by throwing water on them at night. If the stretch is 

 short and the water is close at hand it may be poured on with 

 a bucket, otherwise a barrel is used in which two holes are 



