METHODS OF FELLING. 



(a) Utilisation of the Stem. 



i. Fell in;/ if ilk tin 1 Axe. 



The stem to be felled should be cut with the felling-axe in 

 two places on opposite sides of its base (Fig. 142), as near 

 the ground as possible. The wedge-shaped notches thus cut 

 in the tree become larger and approach nearer the axis of the 

 tree until the latter falls. These notches should be kept as 

 small as is consistent with the easy admission of the axe, and 

 should have smooth sides. As a 

 rule, the height of the opening 

 measured on the bark of the tree 

 should not exceed its depth. 



In order to throw the stem in any 

 desired direction, the two notches 

 should lie opposite to one another 

 in that direction ; the former one 

 (<t), (Fig. 142) on the side where 

 the tree is to fall, should penetrate 

 beyond the axis of the tree as deeply 

 and horizontally as possible. The 

 other notch (It) should be begun from 

 four to six inches higher than (a), 

 according to the thickness of the 

 stem ; it should be cut so that its 

 point extends above that of (a), or would do so if produced hori- 

 zontally. If the stem is symmetrical it should be pushed lightly 

 in the direction in which it is to fall. If its weight should 

 preponderate slightly in that direction, that will naturally 

 expedite the work ; if, however, the weight preponderates on 

 the other side, or towards cither direction at right angles to 

 that of the intended fall, a billet of easily-split firewood may 

 be put in the notch (/>), and several wedges then driven into it 

 transversely, or between it and the edge of the notch, so as to 

 press the stem over to the side on which it should fall. 



In the case of valuable timber-trees, it is often advisable to 

 cut them below the surface of the ground so as to save a portion 

 of the stump as timber. In that case the notches are cut down 



i.i.'. 112. Felling with axe. 

 The tree falls towanls </. 



