292 THE UTILISATION OF WOODLAND PRODUCE. 



log fastened to the shaft. It saves time and trouble, however, 

 if in place of putting a chain round the log a strong pair of iron 

 clips be used. The wheels of timber-carts should be at least 

 4 in., and preferably more, in the flange, otherwise heavy loads 

 cut up soft roads badly. 



The cost of carting varies greatly according to kind of wood, 

 distance, gradient, general condition of road, and state of 

 weather, and may amount to from Jd. to IJd. per cubic ft. and 

 per mile up to 4 to 6 miles, and about ^d. to Jd. per cubic ft. 

 and per mile beyond that. 



Tramways are only cheaper than carting when the land is 



level or slightly downhill and the gradient slight ; and wher- 

 ever there is a good network of metalled roads, carting is gener- 

 ally the cheaper, unless the quantity of timber be large. The 

 use of a traction-engine and goods-waggons is economical where 

 long distances have to be covered along good roads, and especi- 

 ally if the timber can be converted at a sawmill in or near the 

 woods before transport. For forest tramways the best gauge 

 is 24 in. (Fig. 80), and the iron sleepers are usually 3 ft. from 

 centre to centre, the whole, including rails, being in 15 ft. 

 lengths, so as to be easily carried by two men when it needs 

 to be shifted. A forest tramway worked by horses operates 

 regularly in Beaumont Forest, Eoxburgh ; and in the Canonbie 



