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CHAPTER Vr. 



COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT. 



The various modes of transport which have been described 

 must, in different cases, differ considerably in value. For many 

 forests no choice is possible ; the local conditions absolutely 

 decide the mode of transport. In the case of other forests, 

 especially in moderately elevated or high mountainous regions, 

 several methods may be followed, and the question is, which of 

 them is preferable. Some of the chief points determining the 

 choice of any particular mode of transport for a forest are as 

 follows : — 



1. Conditions of the Locality. 



The configuration of the ground on which a forest is situated, 

 the local climate, the density of population, the habits of the 

 people and the method of agriculture followed, all influence the 

 mode of wood-transport. In flat or hilly districts with mild 

 winters, dense population and plenty of strong beasts of draught, 

 it is evident that throughout the year there will be less difliculty 

 in transporting wood in carts or on forest-tramways, than in 

 mountainous districts ; especially with steep slopes, where road- 

 making is difficult on account of the destructive action of water, 

 the number of beasts of draught is limited, and snow falls heavily 

 every winter. Under the latter conditions, sledging, or a partial 

 use of slides and chutes, are to be recommended. For descending 

 very steep slopes, wire-tramways are best, and deserve more con- 

 sideration than has hitherto been given to them. 



Floating and rafting can be followed only where water-courses 

 are available. As regards floating, mountain-districts are more 

 suitable than hills and plains, where the presence of evenly- 

 flowing streams renders rafting a suitable method ; it is also 



