XII.] 



BRITISH OAK. 



75 



Premium prices were until lately paid for logs suit- 

 able for the stems and stern-posts, and also for logs 

 having compass form suitable for the frames of ships 

 (Figs. 1 8 and 19) ; but this is no longer necessary, as the 

 supply is fully equal to the demand for these particular 

 services. 



It is, of course, understood that the wants of the 

 private trade are as well met as those of the royal navy, 

 nothing being required by the navy specification other 

 than is afforded by the ordinary growth of the tree. 



Thick-stuff and plank is supplied to the navy 

 according to the following specification : 





* At 20 feet. 



All the thick-stuff and plank to be cut straight, or 

 nearly so, and of parallel thickness, and to be measured 

 for breadth at the middle, or half the length, taking in 

 half the wanes, provided the breadth, clear of sap, is 

 within two inches of the breadth at which it is to be 

 received ; but no thick-stuff the breadth of which in 



