PREFACE 



THE principal title of this work does not fully convey the scope 

 of its contents. At first it was intended to confine the defini- 

 tions to terms in use in the timber trade, but the multifarious 

 forms in which converted timber is applied in the arts and crafts 

 opened up a wider field, and as the subject was pursued an 

 ever-widening circle of interest was presented. The present com- 

 pilation includes terms applied to wood in the growing tree, 

 in its manufactured forms as used in the chief consuming in- 

 dustries, and especially in architecture and building construction. 

 The ordinary commercial and shipping terms in use in the 

 timber trade and in general business transactions are also included. 



Throughout the work the definitions have been carefully 

 considered, but the meaning of any word in any circumstances 

 must always be interpreted by reference to the context and to 

 the particular trade or port, and to the nature of the goods or 

 subject matter, and the physical circumstances, and in addition, 

 to the terms and purpose of the contract between the individual 

 parties. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that, generally 

 speaking, the meaning of every word is variable and fluctuating, 

 and the greatest care is required properly to interpret in any 

 particular case the exact signification of the expression employed. 



The Editor desires to acknowledge the kind assistance he has 

 received from many friends in the timber trade, and especially for 

 the collaboration of Mr. William Stevenson, the author of 

 Wood ; its Use as a Constructive Material and The Trees of 

 Commerce, who, although in his eighty-ninth year, still takes a 

 keen interest in scientific subjects connected with the wood 

 trade. 



Great care has been taken to avoid errors and omissions, but 

 should any be noticed by the reader, a communication on the 

 subject will be welcomed by the publishers, with a view to future 

 editions. E. H. 



LONDON, 



April, 1921. 



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