48 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. ll. 



Trees are of course most valuable, as yielding the 

 largest possible amount of good timber, just prior to the 

 commencement of this change, which is indicated almost 

 immediately it takes place by the topmost branches and 

 branchlets becoming stunted and thick ; being, in fact, 

 what the surveyor or woodman would call " stag-headed." 

 If, therefore, we wish to select a healthy tree for felling, 

 we must seek for one with an abundance of young 

 shoots, and the topmost branches of which look strong, 

 pointed, and vigorous, this being the most certain 

 evidence that it has not yet passed maturity. 



Timber trees, immediately after they are felled, un- 

 less they have been previously killed, contain a great 

 deal of moisture, and are, therefore, unfit for use until 

 they have been somewhat seasoned. This is accom- 

 plished in a variety of ways, but the primitive and best 

 mode is, probably, to leave it for a time protected from 

 the weather, following as closely as possible the natural 

 process, which consists simply of the gradual drying 

 up, or evaporation, of this moisture, which would other- 

 wise promote decay owing to its favouring the develop- 

 ment of fungi, which feed on the organic substances 

 dissolved in the water. Of the time required for season- 

 ing, and the various means of accomplishing it, we shall 

 have occasion to notice farther on ; suffice it to say at 

 present, that as the wood which needs the least season- 

 ing is generally found to be the most durable, it becomes 

 an essential point that trees should be felled during the 

 winter months, when the sap is present in its smallest 

 quantity. 



