LUMBERIISTG IN PINE EEGION OF CALIFORNIA. 83 



tributed by horse trucks. The cost is decreased by the ehmination 

 of yard tracks. 



Water systems must be mstalled for the protection of all yards, at 

 a cost in addition to the above. Yard equipment, such as cars or 

 trucks, represents a considerable additional investment. Sheds are 

 added to most yards for storing air and kiln dried lumber. 



From the sorting table lumber is distributed to the piles by means 

 of two-wheeled lumber trucks (buggies) or low four-wheeled cars. 

 Steel tracks are required for the cars, but the trucks can be used on 

 plank platforms. If the yard slopes shghtly away from the miU both 

 cars and trucks may be handled by hand labor. Where the haul is 

 long or difficult horses may be used. Apparently one of the most 

 economical methods at large mills is to use a small gasoUne or electric 

 locomotive. 



The cost of distributing lumber ready for piUng averages from 20 

 to 25 cents per 1 ,000. The cost at small mills is frequently lower than 

 at large miUs, because the distance is less. At one mill cutting 20,000 

 daily two men are required to push the loaded lumber cars to the yard 

 and unload them. The daily cost is $5, which is at the rate of 25 

 cents per 1,000. However, one of these men devotes part of his time 

 to wheehng out slabs, so the actual cost is less. At a representative 

 single-band mill sawing 60,000 feet in a shift of 10 hours the lumber 

 is distributed in the yard on cars by four men, at a cost of $11 per 

 day, or 18 cents per 1,000. A smaller single-band mill with a daily 

 output of 50,000 maintains a crew of four men to wheel the lumber 

 out on trucks. The wages are $10 daily, or 20 cents per 1,000. A 

 double-band mill located at the upper end of a flume, and having a 

 daily output of 250,000, has a crew of 20 men distributing lumber 

 on trucks. At a daily wage of $2.50 each the cost is $50 per day, or 

 20 cents per 1,000. 



After the lumber is distributed the next step is piling it. The 

 boards are laid in layers, stickers 1 or 2 inches thick being placed 

 between the layers in order to provide circulation for air in drying. 

 Spaces arc left between the various boards in each layer for the same 

 purpose. The piles are made with the rear end lower, and when 

 completed are roofed to shed rain. Each pile preferably contains a 

 single grade and boards of one length only. 



Piling is ordinarily done by hand, two men working together. For 

 high piling d(!rrif;k hoists operated cither ])y a horse or l)y an electric 

 mot(jr are us(!d to rais(! the boards. A third man is required in such 

 instances. An electric piler requiring only two men is used l)y one 

 company. Piling lurnlx-r is tedious work and is a jol) at which Ix^st 

 results s(!em to ]>e se<;ure(l ])y con tract. In fact, so Jnucli of (lie piling 

 is done by this system that conlrad I'atcs jnuy Ijc taken as standard 



