Forest Utilization 209 



preferably made with an ax, in order that the water may- 

 run off readily and not soak into the top of the post. If 

 the top of the post is painted when green, the checking 

 of the end will be largely prevented. 



Posts can often be split to advantage. If a considerable 

 portion is heartwood, a six-inch post can be halved, a 

 seven and a half inch post quartered. These are light 

 posts and can be used only as fillers in a fence between 

 stronger ones. Chestnut and ash can readily be split 

 with an ax, other species are better sawn. If the posts 

 are to be sold, they will find a more ready market if 

 bright in color and trimmed to a uniform length. Posts 

 for sale should always be sorted into size classes, — three, 

 four, five, six inch, and so on, and the round and split 

 posts separated. 



The wire fence has almost entirely displaced the old 

 post and rail, but there are still a few districts in which 

 they are used, — mostly in the chestnut country. Chest- 

 nut is by far the best wood for this purpose, because it is 

 so readily split and is so durable. White oak is also used, 

 and occasionally locust. 



RAILROAD TIES 



Railroad ties are best made of the same kind of wood as 

 fence posts, durability and the holding power of the 

 spikes being the principal requirements. Cedar is about 

 the only fence post wood which should not be used for this 

 purpose ; it is too soft and has not the necessary strength. 

 Nevertheless many are sold, especially to branch roads. 



Before cutting any railroad ties, the specifications of 

 the buyer should be carefully studied. They may be 



