264 



THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



difficulty was experienced in the erection, for, as it was found impossible 

 to drive nails, the holes had first to be bored in the wood. 



Stringy -bark is exceedingly difficult to season, and shrinks unevenly, 

 the heart-wood apparently contracting more than the outer growth. 

 For example, a plank sawn to an exact thickness of 3x11 inches has, 

 when thoroughly dried, been found to be nearly | inch less on one edge 

 than on the other. 



Photograph by permission of Messrs. J. I:.ii:m»: & Son, Melbourne. 



Photograph of the Timber Sheds, West India Docks, on September 1903. 



Showing the stacks of Tasmanian Hardwoods ex " Runic," after the disastrous fire there 

 that destroyed eleven acres of stacked timber. These hardwoods were the only woods that 

 resisted the fire. The view shows them lying in the ashes of other timbers. 



K. C. Richardson, in his report on Tasmanian Timbers (p. 10) says : 

 " After twenty-six years' experience I have found stringy-bark to be 

 admirably adapted for piles, some of which have been in the wharves 

 for thirty years, and are in very fair condition." Quoting Mr. J. 

 Fincham, M.Inst.C.E., he continues, " Tasmanian blue gum and stringy- 

 bark are the standard timbers for all Government works — ^blue gum is 

 the heavier and stronger, but stringy-bark is generally preferred as 

 being more free in working and more easily obtainable. . . . The usual 

 life of this timber in bridges 'is from twenty to twenty-five years. 



