IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. 67 



give an opinion on this experiment ; but expectation is not now 

 so sanguine as it was some time ago. The fact is, the creosoted 

 sleepers have of late been found decayed in the centre, the in- 

 terior portion scooped out, leaving nothing but a deceptive shell, 

 in some instances not more than half an inch in thickness. 

 Much credit is due to Mr M'Master, resident engineer, Salem, 

 for the careful observations which he has been making for some 

 years, on the sleepers laid down along the districts under his 

 charge. The result of these observations* will be interesting 

 and important. Apart from the tendency of timber to decay 

 from causes existing in itself, and the attacks of fungi, insects, 

 and the like, it is said that another and very important source of 

 destruction is the applying end to end of two kinds of wood, as, 

 for instance, " oak to Malabar teak, or lignum vitse ; the harder 

 of the two will decay at the point of juncture. If this be really 

 true, it is a matter of great importance, and its truth should be 

 established or overthrown by experiment." — Gard. Ghron., 30th 

 June 1860). In summing up this subject, it ought distinctly to 

 be borne in mind that no tree ought to be felled except those 

 which have arrived at maturity ; unless strict attention be paid 

 to this rule, the most careful seasoning may fail, and premature 

 decay be induced. Another error frequently committed is that 

 of painting green wood for stakes, posts, and the like. The 

 almost inevitable result of this is, that the centre is transformed 

 into touchwood. Considerable difficulty is experienced by this 

 department in having always the requisite amount of seasoned 

 wood in store. It is therefore of importance that public depart- 

 ments should forward their indents, so as to allow sufficient time 

 for the proper selection of the tree and due seasoning of the log. 

 One great advantage of careful seasoning, seldom taken into 

 account, is, the increased facility of carriage both by land and 

 water. Capt. Morgan calculated that the seasoned logs (teak), 

 carried up the Sigtir Ghat to the Wellington barracks, are 25 

 per cent, lighter after lying two years in depot below ; this would 

 be a material consideration in estimating the cost of the Law- 



* Mr M. informs me that " decay of sleepers nearly always commences 

 under the chairs ; these hold water like a cup, which gradually soaks into 

 the wood." 



