138 Canadian Forestry Journal, 



From a large number of measurements it has been found 

 that the average taper does not vary greatly with different 

 species or in different localities, and in this rule a taper of 1 inch 

 in 8 feet has been allowed. 



The loss from saw kerf varies of course with the size of the 

 saw, but as his standard Dr. Clark has taken 1-8 inch as the width 

 of the kerf. He also allows 1-16 inch as a factor of safety for 

 shrinkage in seasoning. 



It is possible, with very little difficulty, to make corrections 

 to suit local conditions of taper, crook, kerf, or defects. The 

 allowance for rot is left as it should be to the judgment of the 

 scaler. 



Coming as it does from a forester who is familiar not only 

 with the mathematical side of the question, but with practical 

 lumber and milling operations, the introduction of this rule is a 

 step towards a reform which is daily becoming more imperative 

 and it should receive the careful consideration of all those who are 

 interested in the exploitation of the forests. We especially 

 recommend it for the consideration of those who have charge of 

 th esale of Government timber. 



Timber owners in the State of Washington have raised a fund 

 for protection against fire. No state appropriation was made 

 and the principal lumbermen got together and subscribed $8,133, 

 which was placed at the disposal of the State Board of Forest 

 Commissioners, and the State Fire Warden to be used in prevent- 

 ing and fighting fire during the dry season. The chief menace 

 to the forests in Washington has been the operation of engines 

 not equipped with proper meshing, as required by law. An 

 attempt will be made this year to have the law strictly enforced. 

 The netting of spark arresters used in coal burning engines should 

 be not less than three mesh No. 12 wire to the inch, and the 

 netting of spark arresters on wood burning engines should be 

 not less than six mesh No. 16 wire to the square inch. 



Many of the mill companies in Washington have asked the 

 Forest Commissioners to appoint their woods foremen forest 

 rangers, to serve without compensation from the State. These 

 men have full authority in the fighting of forest fires in their 

 various districts. 



