LOG SCALING. 35 
In measuring the diameters of logs, they are rounded to whole 
inches. Thus, if a diameter is nearer 7 than 6 inches, the log is 
tallied as 7 inches. If the diameter is exactly between whole 
inches, as, for example, 9.5 inches, the scaler usually tallies it 
under the lower inch class—in this case, 9. Sometimes scalers 
endeavor to place about half of such logs into the inch class below 
and half into the class above. Very conservative scalers record all 
diameters falling between whole inches in the lower inch class, 
even if it is within one-tenth of an inch of the next class above—tfor 
example, 6.9 inches would be called 6 inches. 
When logs are evidently not round, the rule is usually placed at 
a point on the cross section where the diameter is about an average 
between the largest and smallest dimensions. Some scalers always 
take the smallest diameters; this precaution is necessary in meas- 
uring veneer logs, for rotary cut. 
The field records are commonly taken on special forms prepared 
by the company owning or buying the logs. Often the scalers use 
a blank book or wooden scale paddle in the woods, and then transfer 
the figures to regular forms at the camp. 
There are two methods of recording the measurements. The 
most common way is to tally the logs by diameter and length, and 
then afterwards compute the volume in the office. The other way 
is to record, on the ground, the board contents of each log as shown 
by the scale stick. 
When a log has been scaled, the end is chalked to prevent its 
being measured a second time. Logs which are to be discarded 
receive a special mark. At this time or later the logs are stamped 
with the special marking hammer of the purchaser of the logs. It 
| is customary in many places to blaze a tree near each skidway, and 
|) mark the number of the skidway and number of logs tallied. Thus 
| | S would mean that there are 460 logs on skidway number 23. 
| This description of scaling applies to the northern regions where 
‘-) logs are cut short and where roads are used for hauling. The prin- 
_ ciples of scaling are practically the same in other regions where 
| short logs are cut. 
When the logs are loaded on cars in the woods, the scaling is 
generally done on the cars after loading. Where logs are to be 
_ driven, they may be scaled on the bank before rolling into the river, 
