78 
Yet in 1878, when these piles were examined, 200 of them were still 
found standing, although not in a sound condition. Some railroad ties 
(hemlock), which had been creosoted and placed in the track at the 
same time, were found to be perfectly sound. 
Creosoted Cypress ties, which had been laid in the track of the Cen- 
tral Eailroad of Xew Jersey in 1876, on an examination made in 1883 by 
L. L. Buck, were reported to be sound, not much worn, and in all prob- 
ability good for ten or twelve years' longer service. 
In 18S5, Mr. J. W. Putnam examined creosoted piles and bridge tim- 
bers, which had been in use on the line of the Xew Orleans and Mo- 
bile Eailroad for nine years, and found them all sound ; the piles had 
successfully resisted the attacks of the Teredo. 
Some failures are reported in this country, but in every instance they 
can be shown to have resulted from imperfect treatment. 
Creosoting works are established at Boston, ^ew York, Pascagoula, 
Miss., Slidell, La., and Bayou Bonfauca, on the ISTew Orleans and North- 
eastern Eailroad. 
Creosoting is undoubtedly the most effective means of preserving 
wood, and the only obstacle to its universal introduction consists in 
its being more expensive than any of the other systems of preservation. 
(2) Bichloride of Mercury. — The use of bichloride of mercury (corrosive 
sublimate) for the preservation of wood was patented and introduced in 
England by John Howard Kyan, in 1833, and was soon very extensively 
applied. It coagulates albumen, and is the strongest antiseptic among 
metal salts ; it is also very poisonous. Its solution attacks iron, conse- 
quently tanks, pumps, tools, pipes, etc., for holding it must consist of 
wood or India rubber, or must be coated with coal-tar. It is soluble in 
water, and by using hot water a solution can be obtained of 1 part of 
bichloride of mercury and 6 parts of water. When it is to be used for 
the impregnation of timber the concentrated solution is diluted with 
the addition of water. The strength of the solutions used in impregna- 
tion has differed greatly. On the Boston railroads, where this antiseptic 
has been largely used for the preservation of railroad ties and sleepers, 
the strength of the solution was 1 part of bichloride of mercury to 150 
parts of water, and the quantity absorbed by 100 cubic feet of dry pine 
Note.— In France all ties are impregnated, preferably with creosote, the cost per 
tie being as follows : 
Cost of tie. 
Cost of creosoting. 
Total cost. 
Oak $1 00 to $1 18 
Beech... 67 to 77 
Spruce.. 35 to 40 
20 to 40 cents. 
40 to 45 cents. 
15 to 20 cents. 
$1 20 to $1 35 
1 07 to 1 20 
50 to 58 
The average duration of ties has been found to be as follows: Oak, not impreg- 
nated, lasted on the average 14 years. Oak, creosoted, lasted 18 years. Beech, cre- 
osoted, lasted 8 to 10 years. Spruce, creosoted, lasted 12 years.— B. E. F. 
