METHODS OF FELLING. 231 



everywhere introduced, where custom still clings to the use of 

 only the axe. It is only impracticable on steep rocky ground, 

 and unsuitable in the case of very large valuable timber trees 

 which should be felled out by the roots, and in thinnings in 

 densely grown poles, where there is no room for sawing. 



The disadvantages of the use of the saw and accompanying 

 wedges, must not, however, be overlooked. This frequently 

 increases heartshake, a circumstance which deserves full consi- 

 deration in the case of valuable timber trees ; besides this defect, 

 very tall thin stemS; when half cut through, may split in two if 

 the wedges are carelessly used, and such a split often proceeds 

 high up the stem. This disadvantage in the use of the saw 

 depends, however, less on the method than on the carelessness of 

 the workmen. 



(b) Utilization of Roots and Stumps. 



This can be effected either by extracting the stumps of trees, 

 or by uprooting the trees themselves. 



i. lloiioral of Stiuiijhs. 



Stumps are utilized by means of grubbing-axes, saws, wedges, 

 crowbars, &c., or with the help of machines. The principal 

 part of the work is that of grubbing-out the stump, which takes 

 70 to 90 per cent, of the labour involved in the whole operation. 

 The work is commenced by digging all round the stump, and 

 exposing all the side-roots as far as they are worth extracting. 

 All these roots are then severed close to the stump and removed, 

 the longer ones being severed at the thinner end as well. The 

 workmen then continue to dig round the deeper going roots, 

 or taproot, until their upper parts are exposed and can be 

 severed, or extracted with the stump. Another way, after the 

 roots have been exposed bj digging, is to split the stump into 

 pieces, and extract these separately ; for this purpose iron 

 crowbars are used, or the stump may be blown-up with gun- 

 powder, as will be described further on. 



It is evident that uprooting stumps is a most laborious 

 process, and attempts have naturally been made to lighten the 

 work by using machines. These are all characterised by the 

 attempt to tear the stump from the strong descending roots 

 after the earth has been dug away, as previously explained. It 



