FOEESTS. 47 



The export from Sweden to the London market in 1863,, 

 was worth 317,416. 



The prices in the Wermland forest in 1864, for timber 

 to be delivered, free on board, at the nearest station, were 

 as follows : 



Timber 22 feet long, 12 in. across at the small end, 

 46 rqr. to 56 rqr. per dozen (Tolfter) ; 11 in. across, 25 per 

 cent, less ; 10 in. across, 50 per cent. less. 



Sleepers 4 feet long, 8 in. across at the small end, 

 about 4d. each; 9 in. across, about 5d. each; 10 in. about 

 7d. each. 



Lath wood of pine for splitting laths, per cubic fathom of 

 216 feet English, 3 to 6 feet long, 55 rqr. ; 8 feet long, 

 72 rqr. (including cost of cutting and carrying, at least 

 15 rqr. per fathom) ; and this is worth in the London market 

 7 to 8 10s. 



Oars. Rough hewn, 30 feet long, 8 in. blade, 3 rqr. per 

 pair; and out of this we must deduct about 10d., the cost of 

 cutting and transport. 



Pit Props 12 feet long, 3 in. across at the small end, about 

 l^d. each; 24 feet long, 6 in. at the small end, about 9 d. 

 each ; of these latter they are now cutting and exporting 

 millions to England yearly. Nothing ruins the forest like 

 cutting lath wood and these pit props, for nothing but the- 

 very best and straightest pines, free from knots, will do for 

 lath wood, and the waste of the young timber in pit propa 

 is dreadful. 



One great drawback to the forest owner in Sweden, is 

 the great expense of transporting his timber out of the 

 forest to the nearest harbour. That the prices of timber in, 

 the forest district are little enough, will be proved by the 

 foregoing table, and from these we have to deduct the cost 

 of felling and trimming the trees in the forest, and the 

 driving them down to the nearest harbour, often at some 

 little distance. The English reader has only to compare- 

 the prices of timber in England with this list, and he will 

 then see how very little of the cost goes into the pocket 

 of the forest owner. 



