FELLING AND LOG-MAKING 101 
one of three directions, namely, as it leans or to either side. 
Where a tree leans only slightly and its inclination cannot be 
determined readily by the eye, an ax handle held suspended like 
a plumb line between the line of sight and the tree will serve as 
an indicator. 
In determining the direction of fall the choice is influenced by 
the shape of the crown. Very few crowns are symmetrical, 
one side often being heavier than the other, because of better 
light conditions. This preponderance of weight on one side acts 
as a powerful lever and, therefore, must be considered by the 
faller. 
(2) The avoidance of lodging one tree in another. 
(3) The selection of a spot where the bole will not be broken 
on stumps, rocks or other objects. This requires special atten- 
tion in handling large or brittle timber. In yellow pine the loss 
from this source may be 1 per cent of the total, while in western 
red cedar it is often from 15 to 20 per cent, and in redwood even 
higher. Boles of the latter are sometimes so badly damaged 
in felling that they are worthless. A bed for redwood is fre- 
quently made by leveling the ground and covering it with brush. 
(4) The simplification of skidding work. In brushy regions 
it is desirable to fell trees parallel to the skidding trail, since this 
aids the teamster in getting out the logs. Timber cut for snaking 
with power skidders should be felled away from or toward the 
direction of haul, especially if long timber is being handled, 
because it is difficult to drag out logs that are placed otherwise. 
Timber on slopes should be felled either up or down according 
to the location of the nearest accessible skidding trail. Trees 
felled up steep slopes are less subject to breakage because the 
distance of fall is less. It is, however, a more dangerous method 
because the trees may shoot down the slope. 
ORGANIZATION OF CREWS 
The organization of crews for felling and log-making differs in 
the various forest regions. Sawyers in the Lake States often 
work in crews of two under the direct supervision of a saw boss, who 
keeps a close check on the work, assigns each crew to a given 
territory, specifies the lengths of logs and sees that waste does not 
occur in cutting. 
In southern pine operations a similar plan may be followed. 
