Rod and Rod Material. 175 



sawn into square sticks of the desired length and size. 

 These should then be immersed in fresh water from six 

 to eight weeks. For the cells, though free from sap, 

 still contain the starch, etc., to furnish the first growth 

 of the ensuing spring. Water soaking removes this, and 

 it is conceded by all the authorities that wood so used 

 seasons sooner and becomes lighter than if otherwise 

 treated. All kiln-drying or boiling of the wood is in- 

 jurious. 



When this process is complete, the wood can and should 

 be straightened, if this is required. Two courses are then 

 open: first, to pile the sticks in a criss-cross manner, cov- 

 er them with boards, and pile stones thereon, and leave 

 them to season ; or second, to hang them up, each separate- 

 ly, and by one end, so that the air may have free access to 

 all sides. The latter is the more speedy method. In the 

 former case weighting the boards is to prevent season- 

 crooks, which always tend to cause the wood to curve 

 from the heart. These will almost invariably show them- 

 selves, if permitted, and are quite persistent, tending to 

 recur notwithstanding straightening by heat, if present 

 when the wood is seasoned. If the latter method is fol- 

 lowed, the sticks should be handled frequently, and such 

 as are found crooked should be straightened, and given a 

 slight bend in the opposite direction. Thus they may be 

 compelled to dry perfectly straight. 



The seasoning must be carried on out of the sun and 

 rain, and with free access of air. Why rain should be 

 avoided is obvious. If exposed to the sun, season-cracks 

 will appear in the wood to its utter ruin. 



In Hough's " Elements of Forestry " is given a table 

 of the percentage of moisture in wood, at six, twelve, 

 eighteen, and twenty-four months. From this it appears 



