DEFECTS AND UNSOUNDNESS. 



43 



safely put to the really only certain test of cutting into it at the 

 base or boring into it with a large auger. The aspect, colour and 

 odour of the chips removed by the auger will show whether un- 

 soundness is present, and if so, at what distance from the circum- 

 ference. The auger holes should of course be made along more 

 than a single radius. 



The examination of a felled tree is much easier and surer. The 

 log or logs taken out should be examined at both ends. Any 

 portion of the section which is softer and more yielding than the 

 rest should then be carefully looked at to test its colour, structure, 

 hardness, moisture and odour. If this examination of the two ends 

 is satisfactory, and still further proof of soundness is required, a 

 gouge or auger should be used to sound all abnormal prominences 

 or other suspicious-looking spots. Often the odour of the sawdust 

 obtained in logging serves as an excellent indication of soimdness 

 or unsoundness. 



Logs that have a rotten core along their whole length are quite 

 unsuited for use under trying conditions ; but the sound-looking 

 portions may be used for furniture and other articles kept in dry 

 rooms. "Where the rot is only local, if the affected portions are 

 completely cut out, the rest of the log may be used for most 

 purposes. 



