HL4- INDUSTRIAL USES OF WOOD. 



SECTION XVI. WOOD FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. 



A considerable amount of wood is used in agricultural indus- 

 tries. These products have one character in common, being 

 used more or less in the rough, or at least without any 

 elaborate preparation. The following comprise the chief 

 classes : - 



Pea-sticks, consisting of twigs 1 to 3 years old from various 

 broadleaved species, especially beech and birch, are the tops 

 and branches of poles and trees that are cut off after fellings, 

 in lengths from 2 to 4 feet. 



Bean-sticks are used for scarlet-runners and other climbing- 

 beans ; they are poles 8 to 10 feet long, and up to about 1J 

 inches thick at the base. Coniferous saplings, or straight 

 coppice-shoots of broadleaved species, are employed chiefly 

 for this purpose. 



Stakes are intermediate in thickness between bean-sticks 

 and hop-poles, and are used for all kinds of purposes, chiefly 

 to fill gaps in hedges and fences. They are generally 

 coniferous saplings and smaller poles. Stakes are used also 

 for tightening chains and ropes, in lading timber and firewood 

 on to carts. Saplings and small poles of various lengths, 

 of oak, ash, birch, beech, etc., are employed. 



Hop-poles, for use in hop-gardens ; chiefly light, straight 

 and slender coniferous poles are employed. [Sweet chest- 

 nut coppice also yields excellent hop-poles, and has been 

 grown largely and profitably in Kent and elsewhere for the 

 purpose. Tr.] The introduction of steel-wire between 

 wooden supports has replaced hop-poles in many localities, 

 and reduced considerably the demand for the latter. 



Hop-poles are usually placed in 4 to 6 classes, according to 

 their dimensions, being from 16 to 40 feet long, and from 2J 

 to 5 inches thick at the base. Generally they are barked in 

 order to render them more durable. 



Tree-stakes, to support freshly-planted orchard trees in 

 Germany usually consist of coniferous poles cut into lengths 

 of 10 to 20 feet; also old (red) aspen-wood, robinia, and 

 other broadleaved trees (ash, etc.) are employed for this 

 purpose, 



