KILN DRYING HANDBOOK. 63 
in the run; (18) running record of appearance of stock, stress de- 
terminations, and steaming and high humidity treatment; (19) final 
condition of stock. 
The charts from the recorders, with run number, dates, and cor- 
rections plainly indicated on each, should be filed with each run 
report, and final-stress sections can frequently be kept to advantage, 
at least until the stock has been worked up. To make the marking 
of kiln samples simpler, it is suggested that each one bear the run 
number and an additional individual serial number. Thus, if there 
are four samples in run 32, they should be numbered 32-1, 32-2, and 
32-3, 32^, respectively. Moisture sections cut from the sample 
should bear the sample number and also an individual identifying 
number or letter. The two sections first cut from 32-1 might be 
32-1A and 32-1B and the final section 32-1C. 
ESSENTIAL APPARATUS. 
In order to work effectively, every operator should have certain 
apparatus described in this handbook, and a suitable room or office 
in which to keep and use it. The following list represents the mini- 
mum compatible with efficient work : 
One standard-grade etched-stem glass chemical thermometer, 30° to 220° F., 
graduated in degrees. 
Six wet and dry bulb hygrometers, 60° to 220° F„ graduated 2 degrees. 
One balance or trip scale for weighing moisture sections, capacity 1 kilogram 
(1,000 grams=2.2 pounds, about) sensitive to 0.1 gram, with sliding poise on 
arm for weights up to 5 grams. Brass weights, 1 gram to 1,000 grams in box. 
One platform scale or balance for kiln samples. Platform balance capacity 
100 pounds, sensitive to 1/100 pound. Beam graduated to 1/100 pound; or — 
Solution scale, capacity 20 kilograms, sensitive to 1 gram ; 2 scale beams, one 
graduated to 100 grams in 1-gram units, the other graduated to 1,000 grains in 
100 gram units ; counterpoise and loose weights. 
One drying oven (electric or steam) inside dimensions at least 10 by 12 by 
10 inches. Thermostatic control on electrie oven sensitive to 2° F. To operate 
at 212° F. 
One 10-inch slide rule. 
One smoke box with concentrated ammonia and hydrochloric acid- 
Two flash-lamps ; spare batteries and lights. 
One gas plate and kettle for heating pitch. 
Miscellaneous tools, such as saw, screw drivers, hammer, rule, etc. 
AIR SEASONING. 
It is not within the province of this bulletin to discuss the air 
seasoning of wood, except in so> far as a knowledge of it is essential 
to the kiln operator. Much of the lumber dried in kilns, especially 
hardwood lumber, is first air dried, either at the sawmill or the 
manufacturing plant, and the quality of the finished product de- 
pends in no small measure upon the care taken in the preliminary 
air seasoning. 
The following general rules apply in piling the stock in the yard 
for seasoning: 
Foundations for piles should be firm and solid, level in one direc- 
tion and properly pitched in the other, well above the ground and 
free from weeds and decay. 
Stickers should be of uniform size, not over 2 inches wide nor less 
than seven-eighths inch thick, free from decay, and planed on two 
