Utilizing Waste Forest- Produce 253 



was &*., but 10s. is nearer the usual price, or about one-half 

 of what is generally obtained for firewood. The cartage 

 of this ton of wood cannot be less than 3s. Much depends 

 upon the distance it must be carted, no doubt, but it is 

 usually delivered within a radius of two miles for the price 

 quoted. 



The whole matter, therefore, stands something like 

 this : Lowest cost of a ton of wood, 8s., cutting same 

 into firewood and stacking, 8s. ; cost of delivery, 3?. 

 total 19s. 



It will thus be seen that the difference in price between a 

 ton of firewood and one of coal is inconsiderable, and every 

 one knows which of the two as fuel lasts the longer and 

 imparts the greater amount of heat. 



Of course, where the firewood is cut up during wet weather 

 by the estate workmen and consumed on the estate, the 

 matter will stand somewhat differently, the two principal 

 items, the cost of preparing and cutting being considerably 

 diminished. In districts where the firewood cannot 

 readily be sold, and would only rot in the woods, it is a wise 

 policy to have it cut into firewood, not only for the saving 

 effected in the coal bill, but also for preservation of the health 

 of the plantations. 



In mining districts, or on the outskirts of large towns, 

 there is usually little difficulty in getting rid of all surplus 

 wood for firing and other purposes, but in thinly-populated, 

 outlying parts of the country, where the cost of transit is 

 excessive, the actual difference between the price of a ton 

 of coal and one of firewood has to be considered. 



(2) Charcoal. The following are the chief uses to 

 which charcoal is put in this country : the manufacture 

 of gun and blasting powders, the heating of hall-stoves, 

 cooking, boiling preserves, and the smelting of iron. It is 

 also employed as a filtering and deodorizing agent. Further, 

 it occupies an important place in the making of black 

 paint, ink, ivory- and lamp-black, and is valuable as a 

 horticultural requisite in the packing of bulbs and for 

 potting purposes. In the manufacture of gunpowder, 

 for which a, highly inflammable quality is required, the three 



