TIMBER STORAGE IX THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN" STATES. 



11 



where widespread infections of some of the worst building fungi in 

 the country have been prevalent in the foundation timbers and stored 

 limiber in contact with them (PL X, figs. 1 and 3). Many of the 

 sheds over low ground have drainage canals beneath to carry away 

 excess water, and in some instances, where the pitch of the ground is 

 not sufficient, stagnant water may accumulate over long periods. 

 This may cause high humidities, approaching saturation, which per- 

 mit the white cottony mycelium of wood-destroj^ing fungi to develop 

 rapidly over the surface of the timber. In general, it has been the 

 experience of the writer that 

 moisture conditions around 

 the foundations of storage 

 sheds are often very favor- 

 able to decay. 



Leaky roofs at times be- 

 come a source of trouble. A 

 few instances have come to 

 the writer's attention where 

 comparatively small leaks 

 have caused a considerable 

 amount of visible, material 

 decay in the upper parts of 

 1 u m b e r piles. However, 

 when we realize that in 

 many cases the infection, on 

 account of the short time in 

 storage, does not have the op- 

 portunity to cause marked 

 deterioration, but still is 

 present in an incipient stage 

 ready to progress farther 

 when placed under moist conditions, we can readily see the serious 

 consequences which may ultimately accrue. 



CONDITION OF STORAGE YARDS AT MILLS. 



Fig. 6. — Large storage shed at Laurel, Miss., set 

 on concrete piers, high off the ground, with 

 ample ventilation from all sides. This is the 

 best type of construction. 



GENERAL SANITATION. 



The vital necessity, viewed from the standpoint of decay, for abso- 

 lute cleanliness around lumberyards is perhaps not fully appreciated 

 by most lumbermen. The question of fire hazard, however, has led 

 most mills to take certain steps in this direction which are of very 

 great importance. These steps have usually assumed the form of 

 keeping grass and weeds down, particularly in the dry season, and 

 of removing rotten debris to a considerable extent. 



