CHAPTER XXXIX. 



ON THE SEASONING AND PRESERVATION OF TIMBER. 



THE properties and characteristic qualities of the various 

 species of timber being known, it will be easy for any 

 one engaged in engineering or architectural works to 

 select the particular species or kind most suited for his 

 purpose ; he will also, by the aid of the tables of expe- 

 riments upon the several varieties, be enabled to deter- 

 mine the scantlings, and thus economise the process of 

 conversion. 



It has been stated in Chapter XI., from observa- 

 tions extending over many years, that Oak and other 

 timber felled during the winter was preferable for con- 

 structive purposes to that felled in the spring or summer 

 months ; but this must be taken only as applying to the 

 deciduous trees, there not being, so far as I am aware, 

 any difference in the wood of the evergreens whether 

 they are felled in the winter or the spring months. 

 As regards the former class, however, I have carefully 

 examined and compared a great many pieces of both 

 winter and spring or summer felled logs, and found, 

 almost invariably, that the winter-cut timber, after being 

 a few years in store, was in better condition than that 

 which had been cut in the spring. Both, be it observed, 

 having been under similar treatment for preservation. 



