INTRODUCTION. 29 



highest pressures, becomes intelligible only when the 

 real differences between wood and ordinary " porous 

 bodies " are understood. 



That much of our empirical knowledge as to the 

 strains to which wood may be subjected, as to the kind 

 of wood-work (carving, carpentry, turning, etc.) it is 

 fitted for, its burning properties, etc., will be improved 

 as these things are more understood cannot be doubted. 

 Finally, the experience of foresters and botanists is 

 showing that these and other qualities of wood are 

 profoundly affected by the conditions under which the 

 timber is grown, and thus another wide horizon is 

 opened up for further exploration.* 



* For further particulars the reader should consult " Timber and Some of 

 its Diseases" (Macmillan & Co.), and "The Oak" (Kegan Paul & Co.). 



