VOLUME OF BRANCH AND ROOT WOOD. 33 



it in a space of regular geometrical form. The volume of this 

 space is ascertained, as well as the quantity of solid wood of a 

 particular description, which can be stacked in it. 



Taking, for instance, a space of 100 cubic feet, the quantity 

 of solid wood, which can be stacked in it, is ascertained, 

 according to whether the material consists of split wood, 

 round billets, branch wood, fagots or root wood. This can be 

 done by measuring each piece separately, an operation of 

 considerable difficulty, and one which takes much time. A 

 more expeditious way is, to submerge the material in a xylo- 

 meter and ascertain the volume by measuring the quantity 

 of the displaced water. From the data thus obtained, aver- 

 age coefficients are calculated and used on all subsequent 

 occasions. 



It is evident, that different descriptions of wood give different 

 coefficients. The solid contents of stacked wood depend on 

 many things, amongst which may be mentioned : — 



(1.) Shape and nature of the pieces ; thick, smooth and 

 straight pieces give more solid contents than thin, 

 bent, uneven pieces. 

 (2.) Length of pieces ; short pieces pack better than long 

 ones; hence, they give a higher percentage of solid 

 contents. 

 (3.) Method of stacking ; careful stacking causes the per- 

 centage of solid wood to be considerably increased. 

 Under these circumstances, no absolutely average data can 

 be given. By way of illustration it may be mentioned, that 

 the coefficients, which are officially recognised in Hesse- 

 Darmstadt as representing averages, are the following : — 



Split firewood = "7 



Round firewood billets under 5" diameter = '6 

 Eoot and stump wood . . . . = '5 

 Fagot wood stacked (not bound) . . = "2 



That is to say, 100 cubic feet of stacked split firewood 

 contain 70 cubic feet of solid wood and 30 cubic feet of air, etc, 



F.3I. D 



