FOREST-ROADS. 



319 



dently of the felling operations, and by many workmen actinjj; 

 together, a certain order and uniformity in the operations will be 

 found to be very effective. Therefore, and in order to avoid the 

 constant interruptions which sledges ascending and descending 

 simultaneously would cause in the work, a large number of 

 sledges are laden, and descend and ascend together (fig. 160). 



The returning empty sledges are sometimes carried back along 

 the sledge-road, but the workmen usually prefer to carry them by 

 the shortest cut, uphill. At the collecting depot the wood must 

 be carefully stacked in order to economise space ; or if further 

 transport is down slides or by water, it may be thrown at once 

 down the slide or into the water. 



In many mountainous districts as in the Alps, sledging is 

 the usual mode of conveyance of wood ; the work is then com- 

 menced at the first fall of snow and continued as long as the 

 weather permits. Huts built of wood or stone are provided in 

 suitable places for the workmen, so that they may remain con- 

 stantly at the work ; and these huts also prove useful during 

 felling operations. 



The loads which may be transported by a sledge vary with the 



