240 FELLING AND CONVERSION OF TIMBER. 



felled trees, and demands the greatest care and supervision on 

 the part of the forest manager. 



(a) Conversion of Timber. 



i. Removal of Branches. 



First the felled tree is freed from branches from its base 

 upwards, the axe, or lopping-axe with a thick back, being 

 generally used for the purpose. 



The branches must be severed smoothly close to the stem, 

 and all projections on the stem and stumps of branches 

 removed. If the branches are large enough to make cord- 

 wood they may be sawn into suitable lengths whilst still 

 attached to the stem. In other cases, and where it is prefer- 

 able to use the axe, the branches may be cut from the stem 

 and placed aside while the woodcutter is occupied with the 

 stem. Whilst one man of a party removes the branches the 

 others shorten the stem. In most cases the branches are fit for 

 firewood only, but wherever some of the boughs in the large 

 crowns of certain trees can be used as timber they should be 

 set aside carefully, as thus pieces of valuable curved and kneed 

 wood may be secured. 



In the case of oak trees the portion of the stem above the 

 insertion of a large bough is so reduced in diameter that 

 the stem should be severed at this point. The top is so 

 much the more valuable if it forms a knee with an upper 

 bough. 



Knee-pieces also may be obtained from a portion of the 

 base of a tree and of a strong root, if the tree has been 

 uprooted. 



ii. Measurin I he 



Once the stem has been freed from branches it is measured 

 with a yard or meter measure, and the different yards or meters 

 marked on it by slight cuts in the bark. If the stem is fit for 

 fuel only, it is then sawn through at these points (or into other 

 short lengths) ; if intended for timber, it is cut into suitable 

 lengths according to circumstances. 



