44 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. III. 
in Calcutta is R2-4 per pound, and further that the solution used is 1 in 
100, we get the following figures for treating a broad-gauge sleeper :— 
Species. 
Amount absorbed 
by a B. G. 
sleeper per cubic 
foot. 
Cost of treating 
sleepers. 
Cost of salt 
absorbed by a 
B. G. sleeper, j 
Total cost of 
impregnation. 
& a. p. 
A? a. jo. ! 
£ a. p. 
Hard timber 
3 lbs. 
0 10 
0 3 7 
0 4 7 
Moderately bard 
timber. 
6 lbs. 
0 10 
0 7 2 
0 8 2 
Soft timber 
10 lbs. 
0 10 
0 11 11 
1 
0 12 11 
Summary. 
The method of impregnating with corrosive sublimate is without 
doubt of value. In India, however, it is undesirable to use so poisonous 
a substance, besides which the process is somewhat expensive and there¬ 
fore not to be recommended. 
(3) SACCHARINE SOLUTION OR THE POWELLIZING PROCESS. 
Saccharine Solution. 
The actual composition of the solution used in Powellizing timber is 
kept secret; it is said to be made up largely of sugar, with possibly a 
small percentage of arsenic added to it, and no doubt also other substances. 
The idea of treating timber with a saccharine solution is reported to have 
been evolved from the fact that the timber of which sugar-vats are made 
is practically ever-lasting, a not improbable fact. 
Without doubt sugar is a preservative, and though not used for this 
purpose in connection with timber before the idea occurred to 
Mr. Powell to do so, it has been for many years used as a preservative 
in other industries. 
( ) 
