TIMBER TRANSPORT. 



49 



at intervals along the streams, and opened as the 

 raft approaches. 



These rafts are constructed in joints, each of 

 which is composed of a number of timbers of 

 uniform length, as many of these being bound to- 

 gether as will occupy nearly the whole width of 

 the stream. 



The logs are prepared for binding together by 

 being holed at both ends. One hole at top, and 

 one on each side below, is cut out with the axe or 

 adze, and two to three-inch augurs used to con- 

 nect the top hole with the two bottom ones. 



Bottom. Section with bands in their places. 



The logs of each joint are then firmly lashed 

 together with hazel rods 8 to 10 ft. long, and 4 to 

 6 in. girth at thickest, rendered tougher by a little 

 roasting while green, and then twisted until the 

 fibres partially separate, after which they are kept 

 in water until required. Creepers are probably 

 the best available bands in Northern India, canes 

 in the South. 



Each log, it will be observed, has two bands at 



D 



