154 farmers' and mechanics' journal. 



preservation when totally excluded from the influence of either 6i 

 these destructive agents ?" [w^m. Mech. Mag, 



Observations and Inquiries respecting the alleged Decay of Ameri-' 

 can Timber^ in England and Ireland, 



The subject to which the subjoined extract of a letter refers, is 

 one of great curiosity, and of deep interest. The letter is from a 

 person of the highest standing for talents and integrity ; one whose 

 name alone would bespeak attention to the inquiries nr«ade, apart 

 iVom the importance of the trade dependant upon the productions 

 of our forests. 



The Editor had previously heard statements made respecting 

 the rapid decay of certain kinds of American timber, which had 

 been used for architectural purposes in England ; these statements 

 he had always considered as greatly exaggerated, if not altogether 

 false ; and he viewed, and still views this opinion as justified by the 

 well-known fact, that at home, our pine, and other woods, are as 

 durable as the deals from Norway, and the other species of timber 

 imported into England from the north of Europe. The alarming 

 manner in which that species of decay denominated the dry rot, 

 appears to have increased in our own day, it was believed would 

 aid in accounting for the complaints alluded to, although the tim- 

 ber of our own, might not be more susceptible of this disease, than 

 that of other countries. We have inquired from gentlemen who 

 have resided in Canada, respecting the durability of the timber of 

 that section of our continent, but have not heard of any fact to lead 

 to the conclusion that their woods used in building, decay more 

 rapidly than those employed by us. Every builder in Philadel- 

 phia, we are assured, has seen girders, joists, rafters, and other tim- 

 ber, taken from houses which have been pulled down, after stand- 

 ing for nearly a century, which he would prefer to new wood from 

 the mill, because it appeared equally sound, and was perfectly sea- 

 soned. The sap (alburnum) of the red deal, of Europe, and of the 

 yellow pine of our country, is, we know, equally subject to the 

 ravages of insects, when cut down at an improper season, and suf- 

 fered to lie in the woods with the bark on, until they have made a 

 lodgment in the timber. 



Should the fact stated below, be eventually authenticated, we 

 shall conclude, that the English have an insect which has an un- 

 fortunate fondness for American food ; we hope, however, and be- 

 lieve, that the accounts given will he found to be incorrect ; the 

 truth must eventually be ascertained, and the earlier the better ; 

 we earnestly desire tho?e who may possess any accurate informa-' 

 lion upon the subject to communicate it for publication. Is there 

 any insect known which will perforate cork ? 



[Am. Mech. Mag. 



