RED ALDER OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 
11 
the boards. Close piled, the wood will begin to deteriorate within 
four or five days during the summer months, and in the winter 
months within two or three weeks. If it is left in this condition for 
any length of time serious damage from mold or fungi is likely to 
result, the mold discoloring the wood, the fungous growth decom- 
posing the parts attacked. Lumber cut from logs infected with 
FIG. 4.— ALDER LUMBER PILED FOR AIR SEASONING IN SUMMER 
For best results the center stickers should always be in vertical alignment. Piles 
should be well covered in winter, with an overhang sufficient to protect both sides 
and ends 
decay organisms naturally contains these early stages of decay. 
Under the conditions of moisture and temperature that may occur 
in the early stages of kiln drying, or in the close piling of green 
lumber, the wood-rot fungi may develop on the surface of the boards 
in a form closely resembling mold growth. Commercial kiln condi- 
tions and steaming processes are effective in sterilizing infected 
wood up to and including pieces 4 inches square, 
