232 



A DISCOURSE 



timber green and unseasoned ; so that though they have excellent Oak, 

 it decays in a short time by this only neglect. 



Elm felled ever so green for Sudden use, if plunged four or five days • 

 in water, (especially salt-water,) obtains an admirable seasoning, and 

 may immediately be used. I the oftener insist on this water-seasoning, 

 not only as a remedy against the worm, but for its efficacy against 

 warping and distortions of timber, whether used within, or exposed to 

 the air. Some again commend burying in the earth, others in wheat ; 

 and there be seasonings of the fire, as for the scorching and hardening 

 of piles, which are to stand either in the water or the earth 



Et suspensa focis explorat robora fumus. georg. i. 



the Oak 



Explore, suspended in the chimney smoke-: 



For that to most timber it contributes much to its duration. Thus do 

 all the elements contribute to the art of seasoning. The learned inter- 

 preter of Antonio Neri's Art of Glass, cap. v. speaking of the difference 

 of vegetables, as they are made use of at various seasons, observes from 

 the button-mould-makers, in those woods they use, that Pear-tree, cut 

 in summer, works toughest, but Holly in the winter ; Box hardest 

 about Easter, but mellow in the summer ; Hawthorn kindly about 

 October, and Service-tree in summer. 



And yet even the greenest timber is sometimes desirable for such as 

 carve and turn, but it chokes the teeth of our saws ; and for doors, win- 

 dows, floors, and other close works, it is altogether to be rejected, espe- 

 cially where Walnut-tree is the material ; which will be sure to shrink : 

 therefore, it is best to choose such as are of two or three years' seasoning, 

 and that is neither moist nor over dry ; the mean is best. Sir Hugh Piatt 

 informs us, that the Venetians used to burn and scorch their timber in a 

 flaming fire, continually turning it round with an engine, till they have 



* When wood is charred, it becomes incorruptible ; for which reason, when we wish to pre- 

 serve piles froiTti decay, they should be charred on their outside. Oak-posts used in inclo- 

 sures always decay about two inches above and below the surface. Charring that part would 

 probably add several years to the duration of the wood. 



