Part III. Log and Wood Measurement 
SECTION I 
CUBIC CONTENTS 
The simplest way to measure the contents of a log is to 
take its length and mid-diameter and ascertain the cubic 
contents of a cylinder having those dimensions. Bark may 
be taken in or left out. By the use of a caliper and tape, 
a very close result may be had on logs that are not too 
long, provided care is taken either by inspection or by cross 
measurement to get a true mid-diameter. Trees cut nearly 
full length are given as a rule too large a value when 
measured in this way, — larger, that is to say, than their 
actual cubic contents. The percentage of overrun for large 
spruce cut off at 5 to 8 inches diameter in the top is about 
6 per cent of their true volume. 
When logs are placed in a pile the best that can be done 
is to use a diameter which is an average between the diam¬ 
eters of the ends, swell at the stump, if present, being 
disregarded. 
First among the tables for log measurement given in the 
back of this work is a table of cylinders with contents 
in cubic feet, standard measure. The lengths in feet are 
given in the first vertical column, the diameters in inches 
on the upper horizontal line, and the contents of any log is 
read off opposite its length and beneath its diameter. If 
the length is not given, add together such lengths as will 
make it up. Thus a log 12 inches in diameter and 47 feet 
long has the contents of a log 40 feet long -f that of a log 
7 feet long, or 31 + 5.5 cu. ft. = 36.5 cu. ft. 
For practical purposes results near enough will be had 
if fractions of inches more than J inch are taken as of the 
inch above, and fractions of J inch and less are disregarded. 
