FLOATING AND RAFTING 373 



the most satisfactory floaters, but among them there are several 

 species such as yellow pine, green hemlock, and the butts of larch, 

 redwood and some other species that can be handled only with 

 indifferent success. The buoyancy of hemlock is increased by 

 peeling the timber and allowing it to season for a short period 

 before placing it in the water. 



Hardwood logs, such as basswood, poplar and cucumber, float 

 well and can be driven to advantage, although basswood is 

 apt to become discolored, which greatly depreciates it in value. 

 Oak, beech, maple, birch and other heavy hardwoods can only 

 be floated with difficulty unless they are especially prepared 

 or are rafted with lighter species. Some loggers cut and peel 

 oak in July, August, September and October, place it on skids 

 near the bank and allow it to dry out for from sixty to 

 ninety days. It then becomes light enough to float for short 

 periods. 



Another method^ is to peel and season the logs, then paint 

 the ends with two or three coats of paint and raft with lighter 

 species. Holes also may be bored into logs and plugged up 

 so as to form air spaces and increase the buoyancy of the 

 timber. 



White birch for spool stock is sometimes driven for short 

 distances in Maine. The green timber will float for a short 

 period, although it is seldom put into the water in this condition. 

 An effective method is to fell the trees during the summer 

 months and leave the tops on the trees until a large amount of 

 moisture has been removed. Again the trees may be felled, the 

 tops cut off and the timber left in the forest to season for from 

 eight to twelve months. This method is less satisfactory than 

 the former because the sap of the logs stains badly during 

 summer months, if left for long periods. 



The following lists show the relative floating ability of several 

 species. 



1 There is a serious objection to this method of handling hardwoods because 

 their value is usually reduced by checks and incipient rot. Hardwood cut during 

 the spring or summer must be converted into lumber in a few weeks if the best 

 results are to be secured. 



