DEFECTS IN TIMBER AND GENERAL NOTES 289 
centre ; in one case it may be only a single line, in another 
something like a cross, and where there are several 
radiating from the heart of the timber it is called a star- 
shake (Fig. 43). They are usually found at the butt 
end. 
All timber is more or less subject to seasoning checks, 
or " Oldening out " as it is called when drying ; some much 
more than others (Fig. 44), 
ing checks run from the 
outer sides towards the 
centre of the log, just the 
opposite way of heart- 
shakes. In elm, Tasmanian 
blue gum, and other gums 
they are very common. 
(See also Figs. 31 and 32.) 
Oak and other hardwoods 
are very liable to opening 
at the ends when seasoning, 
and this is caused by the 
ends drying quicker than 
other portions of the timber, 
and S shaped pieces of iron 
are often hammered into the 
ends of oak logs to mimmise this evil. It is a serious loss 
for timber merchants when this happens, as it often means 
that 18 inches or more has to be cut to waste before the 
timber is saleable. There is a patent in the market, a 
composition, for coating the timber which is said to be a 
cure for this evil, but a mixture of whiting and oil is some- 
times used, and in more valuable timber a piece of wood is 
fastened to the ends or they are banded with iron. Opening 
out on the faces when drying is not, as a rule, serious in fir 
and pine timber. 
T- u 
It will be noticed that season- 
ElG. 41. — Seasoning checks or 
" opening out." 
