280 FELLING AND CONVEKSION OF TIMBER. 



In some cases the bed of the ravine contains a mountain* 

 torrent, which may be dammed temporarily until there is a 

 sufficient head of water to carry the logs down, when the dam 

 is opened. This is termed a wet timber- chute. 



Evidently, wherever timber is left to fall downhill by its own 

 weight, and without being under the control of the workmen, 

 much breakage and loss of bulk by friction must ensue ; so 

 that these methods will be adopted only where more careful 

 methods are impracticable or too expensive. 



6. Season for Clearing the Felling-area. 



The season for clearing a felling-area depends on that of 

 the felling, and on the mode of removal employed, as well as 

 on the subsequent transport of the timber, and the available 

 labour-force. 



It is a general rule to clear a felling-area as soon as possible 

 after the conversion of the felled material, and bring the latter 

 into suitable places for its preservation and seasoning. This 

 is especially urgent in coniferous forests, where there is much 

 danger from beetles. Eapid removal of the material is also 

 necessary on natural regeneration-areas, and other areas stocked 

 with young growth. The mode of removal employed should 

 be considered also, 'depending as it does chiefly on the con- 

 figuration of the ground. In plains and low mountainous 

 districts, there is no reason why the removal should not follow 

 immediately on the conversion of the wood. In high moun- 

 tain-districts, it is frequently necessary to await a fall of snow 

 before clearing the felling-area, and all that can be done in 

 summer is to convey the wood to the nearest valley, or road, 

 and proceed further with it during winter. 



It is evident that the clearance of regenerated areas demands 

 the greatest care, especially when long logs are to be removed. 

 The spring, just before the buds shoot, is then the best season, 

 the young plants being less brittle than in winter, even with 

 a moderate snow-covering. If, however, the snow is deep and 

 firm, and it is possible to do the work, the clearance should be 

 effected in winter. 



The season of removal depends also on the subsequent trans- 

 port of the timber. In plains, the duration of frost in winter 



