278 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. 



have been broken in their fall, and are doubtless about 

 the best that can be obtained for conversion into 

 board. 



In addition to the masts and timber, a few deals are 

 imported. These are cut 3 inches thick, and vary in 

 breadth from 9 to 24 inches, and occasionally even to 32 

 inches. In length they vary from 10 to 20 feet. They 

 are sorted in Canada into three parcels, and designated 

 first, second, and third quality, according as they are 

 found free from knots, sap, defects, &c., &c., or otherwise. 

 They are further denominated "bright," when passed 

 direct from the saw-mills to the craft for shipment, in 

 contradistinction to others, termed " floated," which are 

 often brought over long distances on rafts, and get a 

 little discoloured in their transit. They are commonly 

 sold at per 120, St. Petersburg standard, and the price 

 of the " floated " usually stands depreciated in the 

 market to the extent of about 10 or 12 per cent, below 

 the price of " bright " deals. A simple red chalk mark, 

 thus I., II., and III., drawn across the middle or side 

 of the deals, is the only distinguishing brand they have 

 to denote their quality. 



Yellow Pine timber is subject to the cup and heart 

 shake defects, and there is also a slight degree of spon- 

 giness about the centre or early annual layers of the 

 older trees, which detracts a little from their value. 

 Further, the top end of the logs are often coarse and 

 knotty, which renders that part unfit for conversion into 

 small scantlings ; but, otherwise, it is a good and profit- 

 able description of timber for use, in substitution for the 

 heavier and harder Pines. 



The subjoined tables of experiments on the strength 

 of Yellow Pine will afford a means of comparison with 

 other species. 



