ii.] INDICATION OF HEALTHY STATE. 21 



headed." If, therefore, we wish to select a healthy tree 

 for felling, we must seek for one with an abundance of 

 yqung shoots, and the topmost branches of which look 

 strong, pointed, and vigorous, this being the most certain 

 evidence that it has not yet passed maturity. 



Timber trees, immediately after they are felled, 

 unless they have been previously killed, contain a great 

 deal of moisture, and are, therefore, unfit for use until 

 they have been somewhat seasoned. This is accom- 

 plished in a variety of ways, but the primitive and best 

 mode is, probably, to leave it for a time protected from 

 the weather, following as closely as possible the natural 

 process, which consists simply of the gradual drying 

 up, or evaporation, of this moisture, which would other- 

 wise form the first elements of decay. Of the time 

 required for seasoning, and the various means of accom- 

 plishing it, I shall have occasion to notice farther on ; 

 suffice it to say at present, that as the wood which" needs 

 the least seasoning is generally found to be the most 

 durable, it becomes an essential point that trees should 

 be felled during the winter months, when the sap is 

 present in its smallest quantity. 



