29(! 
TIMBER 
of its edges, and there is a good deal of wane on the edges of 
some hewn logs. Fig. 61 shows the section of a ] 7-inch 
diameter tree ; the darker shading is the sajiwood. As will 
be seen by the full Hnes, there would not be much 
difficulty in getting a 12-inch perfectly square log, and also 
one practically free from sap, except just at the corners, out 
of such a tree, but if the timber be cut along the inner 
dotted line, which shows a 13-inch log, there will be some 
wane on the corners and much more sap there, whilst if 
cut along the outer dotted hne, which shows a 14-inch log, 
there will not only be a good deal of wane on the edges, but 
Fig. 52. Yig. 53. 
the amount of sap will be considerably increased, and may 
extend along the sides if the sap widens out in places. 
The converter naturally tries to get as large-sized mer- 
chantable logs as possible out of the trees, hence the wany 
edges on logs. 
A practical view should be taken of timber selection ; if 
only a few logs or pieces of timber are required, there will 
be no difficulty in getting them free from the defects de- 
scribed ; but when a large quantity is required it is impossible 
to avoid them, although timber containing them must be 
carefully examined ; the best must be made of such timber as 
can be obtained in the market. 
The pines and firs have generally few defects, except sap 
