CHAPTER XXXIX. 
ON THE SEASONING AND PRESERVATION OF TIMBER. 
THE properties and characteristic qualities of the various 
species of timber being known, it will be easy for any 
one engaged in engineering or architectural works to 
select the particular species or kind most suited for his 
purpose ; he will also, by the aid of the tables of expe- 
riments upon the several varieties, be enabled to deter- 
mine the scantlings, and thus economise the process of 
conversion. 
It has been stated in Chapter XI., from observa- 
tions extending over many years, that Oak and other 
timber felled during the winter was preferable for con- 
structive purposes to that felled in the spring or summer 
months ; but this must be taken only as applying to the 
deciduous trees, there not being, so far as I am aware, 
any difference in the wood of the evergreens whether 
they are felled in the winter or the spring months. 
As regards the former class, however, I have carefully 
examined and compared a great many pieces of both 
winter and spring or summer felled logs, and found, 
almost invariably, that the winter-cut timber, after being 
a few years in store, was in better condition than that 
which had been cut in the spring. Both, be it observed, 
having been under similar treatment for preservation. 
