252 FELLING AND CONVERSION. 



iv. F(i;i(i()t-ir(ii)d. 



Faggot-wood includes all refuse crown, branch, and coppice- 

 wood under 2. inches ((> centimeters) in diameter at the larger 

 end. 



This is either piled in heaps about equal in size, or tied into 

 bundles termed faggots, which arc of about the same length 

 and circumference as split cordwood billets. The remaining 

 refuse of the felling is collected in heaps, and may be given 

 away to the workmen, or auctioned. 



3. TJic ]]'(irJi- (ifConrersion. 



The work, of conversion comprises the woodcutter's work of 

 preparing the different assortments just described from the felled 

 trees, and demands the greatest care and supervision on the j)art 

 of the forest manager. 



(a) Conversion of Timber, 

 i. Removal of Jiraitdies. 



The felled tree is first freed from branches from its butt up- 

 wards, the axe, or lopping-axe with a thick back, being generally 

 used for the purpose. 



The branches must be severed smoothly close to the stem, and 

 all projections on the stem and stumps of branches removed. 

 If the branches are large enough to make cordwood they may be 

 sawn into suitable lengths whilst still attached to the stem. In 

 other cases, and where it is preferable to use the axe, the branches 

 may be cut from the stem and placed aside while the woodcutter 

 is occupied with the stem. Whilst one man of a party removes 

 the branches the others shorten the stem. In most cases the 

 branches are only fit for firewood, but wherever some of the 

 boughs in the large crowns of certain trees can be used as timber 

 they should be carefully set aside, as pieces of valuable curved 

 and kneed wood may be thus secured. 



In the case of oak-trees the portion of the stem above the 

 insertion of a large bough is so reduced in diameter that the 



