128 On the Strength, Durability, and Value 
than water: hence a water-seasoning, when the wood is 
sunk, is of great benefit,—for the water, displacing the sap, 
removes in a great degree the causes of decay. In the case 
of the Gum woods, it partially dissolves the brown astringent 
substance which fills the pores, and carries off the acid; and 
by thus rendering them more open the subsequent drying 
goes on faster, and so uniformly, that the rents and openings 
which so materially damage this timber in the estimation of 
those unacquainted with its qualities are mainly prevented. 
Almost all writers on timber, I believe, recommend a short 
water-seasoning, and remark upon the absence of rents in 
the subsequent drying. When a piece of green Gum is placed 
in water, after a few weeks the water acquires a colour re- 
sembling that of brown sherry, and a scum rises to the surface: 
if the liquor be evaporated, an extract similar to the substance 
found in the pores is obtained in considerable quantity. | 
Water-seasoning for long periods is said to impair the 
strength in a slight degree, as boiling and steaming are also 
said to do: but the last two are only adopted for particular 
purposes. It is also said that they prevent dry rot; but the 
only sure preventative seems to be the solution of corrosive 
sublimate, well known as destructive to vegetation :—this is 
the principle of the celebrated process of Kyanizing. 
From the foregoing it will be readily understood that wood 
in a green state should not be shipped in vessels carrying 
wool; the heated state of their holds being favourable to 
fermentation. 
It would be desirable to try some pieces after a good salt- 
water seasoning: they should be entirely free from sapwood 
and heart—the former being subject to decay, and the latter 
liable to rend in seasoning. 
By the kindness of Messrs. Degraves and Watson, I have 
procured blocks of the Blue Gum, Swamp Gum, and Stringy- 
