THE AIR SEASONING OF WESTERN SOFTWOOD LUMBER 23 
ploy the box type of piling, which, as will be pointed out in the dis- 
cussion of pile construction, is considered extremely desirable. 
Random lengths can be box-piled but only with more difficulty. 
CURRENT PRACTICE 
Although regional standards differ and the problem is definitely 
affected by local plant cenditions, the principles followed rather 
generally in the West are of interest. Species are almost always 
segregated. It is also fairly standard practice to separate grades— 
at least by groups, such as selects, shops, and common. Common 
particularly is generally sorted by individual grades. Each thick- 
ness is piled by itself. Inch selects are commonly separated by 
widths, while thicker selects and most shop are handled in random 
widths. No. 3 and better common is ordinarily segregated by 
width, and the lower grades of common are occasionally sorted in 
that manner. The sorting of lengths is the practice least consistently 
followed. At the more progressive plants, however, particularly 
those of large daily production, a great deal of lumber is piled in 
separate lengths. Shop lumber is very generally handled in random 
lengths. 
Thick select and shop lumber is piled random width primarily 
because of trade requirements, although volume production is also 
a factor at some plants. The handling of the lower grades of 
common in mixed widths is due to the low value of the product and 
to the customary method of selling in all-width lots. The less 
desirable size segregation of other stock is usually the result of 
inadequate sorting facilities or small production. 
in spite of limitations of space and production, a greater amount 
of stock can be piled in separate widths and lengths if less segre- 
eating of grades is done. Although the piling of separate grades 
is often desirable from an operating standpoint, that is not always 
rightly the major consideration. Grade and size segregation 
should be balanced one against the other in the light of the season- 
ing as well as the operating advantages. Too often the more tangible 
operating advantage is allowed to predominate in the decision and 
the actual dollars and cents savings from improved seasoning prac- 
tice are overlooked merely because they are less easily recognized. 
PILE CONSTRUCTION 
MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS 
Two distinct major considerations are involved in the logical 
development of methods of pile construction—losses to be avoided 
through proper seasoning and economy in piling cost and yard 
space. Here again intangibles and tangibles are in conflict, and 
the advantages of one must be weighed against those of the other. 
‘It is because of the lack of a sure basis for judgment in such decisions 
that true efficiency in air seasoning is so generally defeated. 
A reduction in operating expense is apparent not only upon incep- 
‘tion but with each monthly and annual cost statement. The depre- 
ciation losses that result directly from poor seasoning conditions are 
easily overlooked and are rarely accurately inventoried. And yet 
