MECHANICAL RESEARCH 



The function of the Mechanical Research Section is to develop, improve and 

 test equipment and instruments to meet the special needs of the Department, the 

 Research Branch, particularly. The Section also is consulted for technical advice 

 in mechanical engineering problems. 



The equipment previously reported for filling tubes with soil in which tree 

 seeds are planted was improved for the Forestry Section. 



A laboratory device was designed and constructed for measuring density of 

 wood samples in the wood quality project. A helicopter seeder was constructed 

 for the Timber Branch, (two others having been constructed in previous years) 

 and two plankton samplers were built for the Fisheries Research Section. 



An instrument was developed for the Wildlife Research Section to measure 

 the crushing resistance of snow, related to difficulty of deer travel. Two special 

 mechanically operated traps for upland game were also built for this Section. A 

 special portable cold chamber was developed to keep blood samples of birds 

 caught in these traps in good condition. 



A continuation of the forest fire equipment-testing programme included 

 endurance tests of the new Mark III Wajax pump. A few minor modifications 

 were recommended. 



A forest fire hose dryer, able to handle 900 feet of unlined hose per hour 

 with a considerably greater capacity for lined hose, was developed and constructed. 



Also, a gas-fired hose dryer was developed and constructed, using liquified 

 petroleum or natural gas for fuel instead of electrical power. Gas can be used 

 in any location, is not dependent on availability of electrical energy and is cheaper, 

 because electrical stand-by charges would be excessive. 



The Mechanical Section rendered many miscellaneous services in connection 

 with the design, construction, modification, repair and inspection of intricate equip- 

 ment intended for Departmental use. 



MENSURATION AND STATISTICS 

 Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data 



The objective is analysis by mathematical procedures, termed "statistical 

 methods", of the results of investigations carried on by various sections of the 

 Research Branch. The purpose is to avoid drawing unwarranted conclusions and 

 to be able to present reliable evidence of the dependability of results secured. 

 Review of the plans laid out for experiments is involved. 



Mensuration 



MENSURATION WORK IN GENERAL 



This work includes the measurement of standing timber (cruising), the 

 measurement of wood cut (scaling), the construction of tables of the volumes of 

 trees (for use in cruising), the measurement of past growth and the estimation of 

 future growth. These lines of work involve many of the techniques and are based 

 on the same principles as the analysis of experimental data. Combining the two 

 classes of work in one section makes it possible to employ men with a combination 



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