VII.] 



DURABILITY. 



7S- 



stood the test of ages, I think it should be understood 

 that it could only have been under certain very favour- 

 able conditions. 



First. That the tinnber was of good quality when 

 selected for employment. 



Secondly. That it was at least moderately seasoned 

 when brought into use. 



Thirdly. That it was placed in a favourable position 

 in the building for lasting, and where it had a free 

 circulation of air about it, without being in a draught. 



Fourthly. That the temperature was moderate and 

 regular, and not subject to sudden calorific changes, or 

 even to too strong a light. 



The most effectual way to preserve good timber is to 

 partially season it in as natural a way as possible before 

 working it up, and to give it simply that protection when 

 brought into use which all other materials require to keep 

 them from perishing. It should not be too soon varnished, 

 painted, or coated with any preservative compound 

 whatever, but be allowed to undergo after conversion a 

 further short process of the natural seasoning before 

 this is done. Its durability will be thus ensured much 

 more effectually than if desiccating, charring, or some 

 other rapid process of seasoning had been resorted to, 

 for the sake of bringing it into earlier use after being 

 felled. 



My experience of the approximate time required for 

 seasoning timber under cover, and protected from wind 

 and weather, is as follows : — 



