Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/26

 Body of the tree about 1½ inch deep, and so round, on every side of the same tree, and of others of the same sort, (all exhausted of their sap the day before) some deeper and some shallower, with a good large Auger; and one quite through, sloaping. From this experiment, after divers and various trials, may be found the difference of the Sap rising on the North and South in Sun and shade, and so likewise from that which comes from the Bark, and that which ascends in the inner part of the tree. The weight also may be compared of that, which issues from the Bark, with that which issues from the Body. The internall heart-sap may also be drawn apart, by boring a Smaller auger-hole in the midle of a Greater, and fitting it with a long pipe adjusted into the inner orifice. If no difference be found in these, by distillation after fermentation, nor otherwise, the presumption will be greater, that the difference of Heart (as when they call Heart of Oak) and Sap in Timber is not from the plenty or scarcity of sap, but from the season of felling.

2. From the observation of the woody Circle or pricks in the Branch, Arm or Body of a tree, it may be inquired, whether at such time when that Circle first encompass'd next the bark, the tree be or be not more subject to corruption, than at another season, when the jelly of the juyce is grown more condensed? I am inform'd by a curious and intelligent person, that the corruption of the Timber depends not upon the time of the year, and the ascent, or the plenty or scarcity of Sap so much, as upon the season of the Moon or Wind. And he affirms, that Timber-trees fell'd, when the wind is in the West, especially in the Old Moon, will keep them free from grubs (as they call it) i. e. from being worm-eaten; and on the contrary, that when cut down in an East winde, the worm will seize on them, in what season of the Moon soever it be fell'd: To prevent which corruption, 'tis advised, that such timber should be forthwith thrown into water. It's indeed worth inquiring, whether we may not ascribe somthing of the durableness of timber to the perfect condensation of the outward integument or coat, and so take care, that when trees are to be fell'd for timber or other durable materials, the outward coates may be of solid wood. Rh