FELLED TIMBER 265 



custom) ; for all under these dimensions is considered as 

 cordwood. 



However, when measuring small timber, pitwood, and 

 the like, such an allowance would be absurd. And, if sold 

 at per foot, the conditions of sale should stipulate that all 

 measurements be taken down to 3 inches diameter over 

 bark. 



However, it will seldom be that such small poles are 

 measured and sold at per foot ; they will usually be sold by 

 weight, or by the 100, etc. 



1. Measurement of Felled Timber. 



When timber has been felled and is being sold at so 

 much a foot according to measurement, the very greatest 

 care and accuracy is necessary in order to arrive at the 

 correct contents. 



Occasionally a third party, as for instance an auctioneer, 

 is agreed upon by the vendor and purchaser to measure the 

 timber, and it is agreed that the purchase money shall be 

 based upon his measurements ; but, usually, the vendor's 

 agent and the purchaser meet and measure up the timber 

 together, and a certain amount of bargaining as to measure- 

 ments is in some cases adopted. For, sometimes, it will be 

 impossible to take the girth at the correct place ; then again, 

 small girthed pieces and tops are often guessed at, in order to 

 save time, and so on. 



The actual modus operandi of measuring a felled tree 

 will depend upon the shape of the tree or log. 



If the log tapers evenly from the butt to where it is cut 

 off at the top, it is measured in one length, and the girth is 

 taken at the centre of the log. 



If, however, the log does not taper evenly that is, if 

 there be many "stops" each length from stop to stop 

 must be measured and booked separately, unless, indeed, 

 both parties agree to measure any length beyond a stop. 



A stop is a projection or a point where the girth 

 measurement suddenly alters ; as, for instance, just 



