196 



FELLING AND CONVERSION OF TIMBER: 



Fig. 123 represents a toothed wedge, invented by Schniicke, 

 which is used for forcing over a felled tree, or splitting tough 

 roots, the wedge is driven in up to (a), the bolt (a) then removed 

 and (c) forced outwards by the screw (I). 



Small w r edges are placed in the cut behind the blade of a 

 cross-cut saw, to facilitate sawing. 



(b) Cleaving - axes. The cleaving-axe differs from the 

 felling-axe by its superior weight, size and greater resem- 

 blance to a wedge. It weighs generally 4J to 5 J pounds, or even 

 up to 8 pounds in special cases, but resembles a felling-axe in 



Fig. 124. 

 Harz cleaving-axe. 



Fig. 125. 

 Tyrolese cleaving-axe. 



Fig. 126. 

 Thuringian cleaving-axe. 



shape, except that its back is flat, and made of steel, to render 

 it more suitable for driving wedges into wood. 



Fig 124 represents the cleaving-axe used in the Harz, it is 

 two inches (5'5 centimeters) broad at the back, and weighs 

 about 5 \ pounds. Fig. 125 is ai? axe used in Upper Bavaria and 

 weighs about 5 pounds, its flat back is used for breaking off dead 

 stumps from felled stems as well as for driving in wedges. 

 Fig. 12G is the Thuringian cleaving-axe, and is very heavy. 

 The Bohemian cleaving-axe (Fig. 127) has the stoutest shape 

 of all these axes, and may be used for splitting firewood into 

 the smallest pieces used for stoves. The Vienna cleaving-axe 

 (Fig. 128) weighs up to 9 pounds. Fig. 129 represents 

 an axe used in certain districts in Silesia, and is a good 

 implement. 



