294 SALE AND TRANSPORT OF PRODUCE 



method. It is claimed that every timber merchant, who 

 desires to make an offer, has to measure the timber, and that, 

 as only one can have the timber or any particular lot, the 

 time spent by the others in measuring that timber is entirely 

 wasted. This, however, is more in the nature of an excuse to 

 avoid a little trouble, than a valid reason against the method ; 

 for in all trades and businesses there is always a certain 

 amount of unremunerative labour. Measurements and a 

 valuation must always be made by the agent or forester ; 

 and, in many cases, the estate measurements are given, and, 

 often, when the estate is known, relied upon by the buyers 

 (but at their own risk). 



When a lump sum has been offered and accepted, there 

 is usually no more trouble between buyer and seller, except, 

 perhaps, as to unnecessary damage done to roads, gates, and 

 fences. 



But, if a price per foot has been agreed upon, and the 

 contents have to be measured up, differences often arise, and 

 there is usually cause for some dissatisfaction. It is only 

 natural. 



If the timber is going to be sold by auction, it is often 

 inserted that the auctioneer shall measure, and that his measure- 

 ments shall be taken ; but, as he will not usually have had much 

 experience in this business when compared to that of land 

 agents, timber merchants, and foresters, it will not usually be 

 satisfactory to either party. 



Then again, if the land agent or forester measure with 

 the timber merchant, such questions arise as : Who shall 

 girth the trees? Is thick or thin string to be used? Is it 

 right to stretch the string to its utmost, provided it does not 

 break ? Can the use of the tape be refused for measuring 

 the length? What is the allowance for bark? What 

 allowance is to be made for inferior timber, frost shakes, 

 and so on? What is to be measured as timber? etc., etc. 

 And thus unpleasantness and friction arise, which could 

 easily be avoided, if only the timber were sold for a lump 

 sum. 



