68 THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOG RULES 



is the contents of a 12-foot log" (hence — gives the contents of any log) . This squar- 

 ing and subsequent subtraction of one-half the square was intended to give suffi- 

 cient deduction for both slabs and saw kerf. But it actually gives, 



4 12 



The factor 1, for yl, is insufficient for slabs and the factor .338 for C is far too great 

 for sawdust, corresponding in fact to a kerf of ^.inch. The rule therefore greatly 

 underscales large logs. Its inconsistency makes it worthless. 



65. Doyle Log Rule. Synonyms: Connecticut River, St. Croix, 

 Thurber, Vannoy, Moore-Beeman (in part), Ontario, Scribner (erro- 

 neously) . 



This rule is used almost to the exclusion of all other rules for hard- 

 woods in parts of the Ohio Valley, and for Southern yellow pine. Its 

 use is extensive in every eastern state outside of New England and 

 Minnesota. In the West, it is not used to any extent. 



The Doyle rule reverses the error of the Baxter rule by deducting 

 too large a per cent for slabbing and not enough for sawdust. The wide 

 use of this rule has caused losses of millions of dollars to owners selling 

 logs and standing timber, by improper and defective measurement of 

 contents. The prevalence of its use is due first to the simplicity 

 of its application as a rule of thumb. The rule reads: Deduct 4 inches 

 from the diameter of the log as an allowance for slab. Square one- 

 quarter of the remainder and multiply the result by the length of the log 

 in feet. The result is the contents in board feet. Timber cruisers 

 estimate logs in 16-foot lengths. For this length of log the rule would 

 read: Deduct 4 inches from the diameter of the log inside bark, and 

 square the remainder. The result is the contents of the log in board 

 feet, by the Doyle rule. A rule as easily applied as this was sure to be 

 popular. 



The second reason for its wide use was its substitution for the old 

 Scribner rule in Scribner's Log and Lumber Book, after this publication 

 had already attained a large circulation. As this book was widely 

 accepted as a standard and almost the only publication on log rules, 

 the impetus given to the use of this inaccurate rule by this substitution 

 was tremendous. 



The third reason for the continued use of the Doyle rule is the same 

 which operates to prevent reform in the use of log rules in general. 

 Custom, or habit of using it, is fixed. So far has this gone that the 

 States of Arkansas, Florida and Mississippi prescrilje its use by statute. 

 Added to this is the fact that a rule favoring the buyer will be advocated 

 by this class to its own advantage. 



