212 



otherwise the most fatal accidents may ensue, to both branches 

 and roots. 



As soon as the horses are put to, the machiner seizes the 

 end of the pole-rope, in order to act as steersman, the most 

 important functionary in this part of the business, and the 

 person, on \vhom the safety of the transmission entirely 

 depends. For this purpose, he takes post two or three yards 

 in the rear, with a stout assistant, or two if necessary, in 

 order to manage the top of the tree ; it being understood 

 that the root, as already mentioned, is in front, or is drawn 

 foremost. One or two able-bodied workmen are then sta- 

 tioned under the pole, to bear up the top, at first starting, on 

 their shoulders, at the same time that all the others, who are 

 unoccupied, apply their strength to the wheels ; when, on a 

 signal given by the steersman, or other person directing the 

 work, the men and horses acting simultaneovisly, the tree is 

 drawn at once beyond the limits of the pit. 



When advanced a few yards upon firm and level ground, 

 it is prudent to halt the horses, in order to examine, if every 

 thing be well ordered and secure ; especially if the equili- 

 brium between root and top have been accurately obtained. 

 If the root be found too light, it is proper to make it heavier, 

 by loosening the cords of the bracers or rack-pins, and allow- 

 ing it to drop down. If it be found too heavy (which is the 

 lesser evil of the two,) the easiest method of counteracting 

 it is, by sending up a couple of balancemen to the top ; who, 

 by shifting their position as circumstances may require, serve 

 as movable makeweights, and maintain the equipoise. If 

 these things be truly adjusted, the tree will proceed in the 

 transportation, with perfect safety to all its parts, the pole 

 beautifully playing on the axle and crossbar, hke the beam 

 of a well-constructed weighing machine, which many times 

 vibrates, before settling in the equilibrium. 



In order that the reader may form a competent idea of 

 the machine itself, as used here, and of the transportation of 



