TIMBER-FELLING. 



281 



and weight of the head, and in the length and shape of the 

 shaft ; but one of the most effective is the American KenebecJc 

 axe, weighing altogether 5J to 7 Ibs., with bulging cheeks to 



Fig. 70. 



./LA. MA 



Fig. 71. 



Teeth of Two-handed Saws. 



prevent jamming. For sawing, %-lianded saws (Fig. 70) from 



4 to 6 ft. long are generally used, and the ease of working them 



depends greatly on the handles being conveniently placed and 



shaped. Good saws should be made 



of the best steel ; should have a 



slightly convex cutting -edge, with 



more or less triangular teeth ; should 



provide free space for removing the 



sawdust ; should have teeth well set 



to different sides, the back of the 



blade somewhat thinner than the 



face, and a weight of 5 to 6 Ibs. 



But to prevent jamming, wedges 



have to be used. 



Felling with axe alone (Fig. 71) 

 is only suitable for large poles or 

 small trees. The stem is first cut 

 into as low down as possible (a) on 

 the side at which it is desired to 

 fall, and the cuts should be made 

 wedge-shaped as far as, or a little beyond, the centre of the 

 stem. A second cleft (&) should then be opened out on the 

 opposite side of the stem slightly above the cut first laid in, 

 and this second cut is continued until the tree gradually falls 

 over towards the other side. 



Felling with Axe alone. 



