15 



stump sprouts is seriously impaired, and a second crop is very 

 uncertain. 



CUTTING. 



A second crop of posts from the stumps must always be consid- 

 ered in connection with the cutting. To secure the best second 

 growth, the trees should be cut late in the winter or early spring; 

 March is a very desirable month. The stumps should be cut low 

 so as to insure a sprout-growth from as near the surface of the 

 ground as possible. A smooth stump with the slope all in one di- 

 rection is desirable to avoid pockets that will hold rain or snow 

 water and will thereby induce fungus attacks. 



SEASONING. 



The value of thoroughly seasoning the catalpa posts before set- 

 ting them cannot be overestimated. To air- dry posts and poles 

 thoroughly will require from six to nine months' time, depending 

 upon the season and also upon the size of the posts. 



The seasoning can be most quickly and satisfactorily accom- 

 plished by piling the posts in an open pile in alternating tiers of 

 three and seven posts each. This order of piling admits of abun- 

 dance of light and free circulation of air. The bark of the catalpa 

 is very thin and does not seriously interfere with the seasoning of 

 the posts. It clings tightly to the seasoned wood and is not detri- 

 mental or objectionable on the post. 



The value of thoroughly seasoning posts or poles before setting 

 them is that drying the wood increases its durability. Bacteria 

 and fungi that cause decay can exist and develop only in a moist 

 medium. Therefore, if the wood is dried before it is set in the 

 ground, it greatly lessens the opportunity for fungi to attack it. 



DURABILITY AND CHARACTER OF CATALPA WOOD. 



The catalpa wood, wherever known, is recognized as one of the 

 very durable woods, second only to the Osage orange and the red 

 cedar. In spite of its reputation for durability, some complaints 

 have been received to the effect that the posts are short-lived and 

 not satisfactory. An investigation of several such unfavorable 

 criticisms regarding the value of the posts has led to the following 

 conclusions: 



First, the posts were set before they had been seasoned; or 

 Second, the trees were infected with fungi and the strength 

 and durability of the wood were seriously impaired before the 

 trees were cut. 



