NATURAL WOODS. 235 



When in a proper state, that is, completely 

 past fermentation, if it cannot conveniently 

 be carried off the ground and housed, the 

 bark must be stacked. An experienced hus- 

 bandman who can stack hay, can also stack 

 bark. But it may be proper to warn him 

 against building his stack too large, and to 

 caution him to thatch it well. 



The method of barking and treating the 

 Birch, is much after the foregoing; with 

 this difference, that the season is winter, or 

 early in spring ; and, that it is more tedious, 

 by reason that the outward shreddy bark of 

 the Birch is peeled off, and rejected. Where- 

 fore, it follows, that if the wood in question 

 is composed of Birch and Oak, and if the 

 Birch is to be barked, the best method is to 

 time the ivork, so as that the Birches may be 

 cut, barked, and finished by the first of 

 May ; proceeding then with the Oak. 



The wood, or hag, being thus cut smack- 

 smooth, if it is intended for the same purpose 

 again, it becomes a duty to bestow a little 

 trouble in its future culture ; and not, as is 

 too frequently the case, abandon it to chance. 

 First, cattle or sheep should be kept out ; as, 



