10s 



FHLLIN(; AND CONVERSION. 



axcy, owinj? to its convenient handle and freedom from sticking. 

 [This axe is not, however, adapted for hard, tropical wood, for 

 which the use of a narrower and lighter axe is advisable. — Tr.] 



(b) Trimming-Axes. — The trimming-axe is used bj' woodcutters 

 for trimniing-olV side-pieces of balks, and by the carpenter in 

 preparing timber for building and other purposes. In Germany 

 it is usually of the shape given in fig. Gl, having only one edge, 

 and the blade being curved inwards to allow sufficient play for 

 the hand of the operator. The handle is short, usually 1 h to 

 If feet, and the workman uses it sideways from the side of the 

 log he is trimming. Another shape (fig. 62) is in use in the 

 Black Forest, being more convenient to use on rocky and difficult 

 ground than the former. 



[Trimming-axes in India are generally synmietrically sliaped, hut 

 much larger and heavier than ordinaiy axes, weigliing up to 8 lbs. 

 and more. The workman stands on the top of the log and trims-off 

 side-pieces by swinging the axe vertically and merely allowing its 

 own weight to act. The handles for these trimming-axes are 3^ to 

 ih feet long, so as to give sufficient momentum. — Th.] 



(c) The Bill-hook. — Bill-hooks may be of various shapes, and 

 are chieflv used fur cutting coppice or fascines, and in lopping 



F[G. 63. 



Fig. 6.0. 



branches from trees. Fig. (')3 shows the connnon German bill- 

 hook, the backward turn of the blade at its top being useful in 



