Part V.] Sweet: On Air Seasoning of Indian Timbers. 37 
Seasoning in the log gave very poor results, particularly in the 
South Mangalore Division where the timber so seasoned was absolutely 
useless due to decay and deep discoloration. 
Although girdling may appear to have given the best results, 
particularly in Coorg, the wood was severely damaged by borers, 
and the cracking and splitting were actually little less than by green 
conversion, so that girdling has no advantage over green conversion 
for this species. 
The timber which was supposedly converted green actually 
seasoned in the log for five months before being converted so that 
the sap wood was severely discolored and decayed. Prompt conversion 
is the most effective way of reducing such defects and is recommended 
for this species. 
(33) Holarrhena antidysenterica (Appendix I — 33). Gonda Division, 
United Provinces. 
This species can be classed among the less refractory woods — 
seasoning with little damage by cracking, splitting, or twisting, but 
hable to severe damage by insects. The pieces which were piled in 
a poorly ventilated shed were slightly discolored, but there was no 
actual decay. 
Seasoning in the log gave somewhat the best results. Surface 
cracking, although not as little as by girdling, w'as less than by green 
conversion and water seasoning. The timber seasoned in the log 
was unattacked by insects although that from, girdled trees was 
severely damaged by borers. Therefore it may be assumed that the 
immunity of the logs was accidental. In view of the susceptibility 
of this wood to severe damage by borers seasoning in the log and 
girdling are to be avoided. 
Girdling reduced the cracking to the minimum, but resulted in 
almost total loss of timber due to the borers prior to conversion. 
Green conversion, although resulting in the greatest amount of 
cracking, gave very good results, as a whole, and is the method of 
seasoning recommended for the species. 
It is essential to convert the logs as soon as possible after fel lin g 
and to stack the timber in a free circulation of air. 
(34) Holoptelea integrifolia (Appendix I — 34). Gonda Division, 
United Provinces. 
This wood seasoned very well so far as surface cracking and split- 
ting were concerned, but showed a marked tendency toward discolora- 
tion and decay. Surface cracking was neghgible, ^ and the cupping 
and twisting could have been prevented to a large extent by more 
careful stacking. Slight damage by borers occurred in the logs prior 
to conversion. 
[ 183 J 
