Battering Axe for felling Timber. 



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Art. VII. A Battering Axe for felling Timber. 

 By Robert Mallet, Esq. 



Sir, 

 It has often appeared strange to me that the idea of the 

 battering ram has never, at least to my knowledge, been 

 applied to the felling of timber. When timber is felled for 

 the purpose of clearing, little more than mere strength and 

 endurance are required; and the accumulation of the former, 

 obtainable by means of the battering axe I here present 

 {fig. 84.), would be very great: it could be readily pro- 



cured in places where the saws for this purpose could not be 

 obtained. 



The figure hardly needs explanation. I use the wooden 

 side frames, of the form represented, because they are very 

 strong, and their toes would dig into the ground, and pre- 

 vent recession from the blows of the axe. The axis of the 

 battering axe above is long enough to allow the side frames to 

 be approached or withdrawn respectively, to suit any-sized 

 tree : a diagonal stay-bar, dropped upon a pin for the pur- 

 pose, prevents all from falling sidewise. The blade is made 

 like a large socket, or like the spades called in Ireland 

 " fecks," and spiked to the wood. Four men can work at the 

 one represented, and raise or lower the edge of the axe as 

 required, those nearest the tree guiding it. Perhaps such a 

 tool as this might be acceptable to many of your readers. 



I am. Sir, yours, &c. 



Robert Mallet. 

 Cajpel Street, Dublin^ Feb. 5. 1833. 



