378 BULLETIN OF THE BUSSEY INSTITUTION. 
Speaking generally, I have observed that logs cut in March were 
very badly eaten by worms before October, and if sawed before 
June the lumber would be badly eaten within eighteen months. 
As arule, the finished lumber would pass through the first season 
without injury, and no worms would appear until the summer of 
the next year. Consequently, if the lumber was manufactured 
into wares as soon as seasoned, there was no loss to the manufac- 
turers by worms, and the loss which might accrue subsequently to 
the consumer would depend on the finish of the manufactured 
article: if the wood were painted, no loss would occur; or if it 
were planed and made into packing boxes, very little loss would 
occur; but if put into rough boxes, or made into an unpainted 
board fence, the loss would be serious. 
When logs are cut in the latter part of summer, or in the autumn, 
and sawed into lumber before the following summer, the boards 
can be kept for years without injury by worms. A few years ago 
a house in Hingham, Massachusetts, which had been built seventy- 
five years, was taken down to be removed and put up again; the 
timber, which was of white pine, was found to be perfectly sound 
except where it had come in contact with the earth. On enquiry, 
it was proved beyond a doubt that the timber had been cut in 
early autumn. In the case of another building which was erected 
at about the same time as the foregoing, it appeared on removal 
that the white pine timbers were all badly eaten by worms; in 
fact the sap wood was completely destroyed, and the heart wood 
was quite full of large worm-holes. From the best evidence that 
could be obtained, the timber for this building was cut in February 
and March. I dwell upon this subject in some detail because it is 
one of very great importance to all who cut and use timber, and 
also because it would appear that few persons who have had large 
experience have given the facts to the public. 
The question is often asked, What is the average product of an 
acre of white pine? And the answers given to it differ so widely 
that it would almost seem to be impossible to arrive at any correct 
conclusion. Why this difference of opinion? Probably because 
of the wide difference between the product of different fields even 
in any one locality ; and when we consider the whole country, the 
difference is increased. 
Careful measurements and estimates of the product of many 
ee 
