Part V.] Sweet; On Air Seasoning of Indian Timbers. 63 
develop. The protection in such a case should be from rain only. 
The sun and wind should be given full opportunity to accomplish the 
dicing as quickly as possible. There is evidence that the most rapid 
drying possible in the moist regions is not sufficient to prevent some 
discoloration and decay in the softer species. In such cases artificial 
seasoning must be resorted to if the woods are to be used with any 
degree of satisfaction. 
(/) Seasoning sheds for refractory woods. 
The design and construction of seasoning sheds warrant careful 
consideration in order that they may meet the requirements of local 
conditions. The co^t of a suitable shed is not an insignificant item, 
and it may seem formidable to operators who are inclined to pay 
little attention to the care of timber at this stage of manufacture. 
But if proper seasoning means anything in the value of timber, the 
question of the cost of sheds with reference to the results obtained 
may well be considered seriously. 
It is obviously impossible to describe or furnish a specification for 
a seasoning shed that will best serve the purpose for all requirements. 
The design and construction must be in accordance with local con- 
ditions, i.e., the climate, the species to be seasoned, the size and 
permanency of the project, etc. However, the essentials of a suitable 
seasoning shed to bring about the protection required for refractory 
woods, especially in a drj' region, consist of the following items : — 
(1) a tight roof to keep off the sun and rain; 
(2) shelter at the sides exposed to sun and wand; 
(3) provision for ventilation under the roof and above the ground 
for admitting fresh air and getting rid of moisture 
evaporated from the wood; 
(4) strong, level foundations on which to pile the lumber; 
(5) drainage to prevent excessive soil moisture; 
(6) as much protection as possible against white ants and fungi. 
(a) Design and construction. — The general type of shed best 
adapted to meet the above requirements is long and narrow with the 
length in the direction of the prevailing dry winds. The loading and 
unloading may be done from a central passage or drive-way through 
the shed from end to end, which for convenience may be designated 
as a Class I shed. In this type of shed the timber is piled for a 
distance of 16 — 18 feet on either side of the passage-way. Or the 
central passage-way may be omitted and the timber piled in from 
both sides — a Class II shed. In the former case the wddth of the shed 
should be about 40 — 50 feet, wffiile in the latter 30 — 40 feet is suffi- 
ciently wide. 
In a Class I shed the side W'alls are stationary and immovable and 
may be of any tight construction such as heavy thatch, mud, bamboo 
[ 209 :] 
