SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
The book is divided into three parts:— 
Part I. deals chiefly with the physical properties and structure. 
Part II. is the main part, containing a description of the individual species 
of hardwoods (350 pp.) The method is uniform throughout, 
describing the timber as follows:—Description and uses, transverse 
tests, anatomical features; and, in small type, the main systematic 
: points, and the geographical range. All the more important kinds 
- - have on the opposite pages a colour plate, and three photomicro- 
graphs. 
Part III. contains the technological section, followed by various lists 
of uses, bibliography, systematic list, index of plates, and a very 
complete general index. 
The seasoning of timber forms a most important section, and is divided into 
natural and artificial. The former gives a general account of seasoning, and 
also the difficulties with eucalyptus. 
The methods of stacking—horizontal, oblique, triangular, and perpendicular— 
are well-illustrated and described. Under artificial seasoning we find electrical, 
kiln drying, Powellization and Kyanizing (using corrosive sublimate), and the 
method of Epinoy (using alkaline bi-chromates). Seasoning is the most 
important factor in the technology of Australian timbers, and Mr. Baker states 
that much research is required to evolve satisfactory methods, owing to the 
peculiar difficulties of eucalyptus. The author does not express any definite 
opinion of the relative value of the various methods. 
There is so much of value in the book, and so much that is new, that we 
hesitate to ask for additions. As its use is bound to create inquiries from 
everywhere, such questions as the following need answering:—The available 
supply of the species; the amount of afforestation going on; the forest diseases 
(e.g., Fomes, and Polyporus spp.) ; diseases of stacked timber and fallen trees, 
sleepers (dry rot); and certain other physical properties, such as holding power 
for nails and dog-spikes, &e. 
Mr. Baker deserves congratulations, not only from all those for whom he has 
catered (as mentioned in his preface), but from the whole Commonwealth; and 
he has raised a lasting monument—in “ Hardwood ”—to his fame as the leading 
authority on Australian timbers. The book is dedicated to the Governor-General, 
Sir Ronald C. Munro Ferguson, P.C., G.C.M.G., a great advocate of Australian 
forestry work. Our copy was presented by the author. Copies are available at 
the Technological Museum, Sydney. 
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