With a Dry Kiln in the Northwest 



125 



but frequently the flunkey the hand-unloaders and two of the 

 chain gang are missing. 



The following is the crew : 



In arriving at the cost of kiln-drying lumber, all the expense 

 of help, repairs and oil is included. A part of the time of the 

 regular mill-oiler is also charged. It is interesting to note that 

 approximately 30 gallons of heavy, black, lubricating oil is used 

 each month to oil the bearings and trucks in the stacking depart- 

 ment. Oil cuts off the dirt and saw-dust from the rails and 

 makes the cars push easier. The average cost during the months 

 of March, April and May, 1913, for stacking the lumber and 

 placing it in the kiln was 33 cents a thousand feet B. M. For 

 the lower crew which took the lumber from the kilns, sorted, and 

 placed it on trucks, the average cost was approximately the same. 

 The care and the furnishing of heat to the kiln was also charged 

 to the lower crew. This gave the total cost of taking the lumber 

 from the chains and finally placing it on mill trucks at 66 cents 

 per thousand feet B. M. 



The cost may not appear high, still it could undoubtedly be 

 cut down if more efficient labor could be secured. Transient 

 help was employed almost exclusively. As soon as the laborer 

 became acquainted with the work he would leave and a green hand 

 would, of course, take his place. This caused no end of trouble 

 to the immediate overseers as well as to the Superintendent, all 

 of whom wished to make a good showing. 



