Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p2.djvu/359

 

‘Board of Agriculture, June 2d, 1812.

‘The Board adjourned, to examine some experiments made by Captain Layman, on the preparation of forest trees for immediate use on being felled, by which the specific gravity is reduced, and the sap (or embryo) wood rendered useful, as well as the strength and duration of the timber considerably increased. The following is the result:–

‘1. Poplar (Lombardy), cut from a tree in a growing state, broke with 336 lb.

‘2. Poplar (Lombardy), counterpart piece of ditto, prepared, in three hours, bore 368 lb.

‘3. Seasoned English oak, broke with 784 lb.

‘4. Seasoned English oak, prepared, bore 902 lb. This piece, when broken, proved to be naturally defective internally; but a sound piece, prepared by Captain Layman, appeared to have sustained 1007 lb.

‘5. Sap or embryo wood of oak prepared and preserved, bore 930 lb.

‘6. Counterpart piece of ditto in its natural state, broke with 536 lb.

‘7. Common white deal, in its natural state, broke with 339 lb.

‘8. Counterpart piece, prepared and preserved, bore 508 lb.

‘Note. – Specimens were produced by Captain Layman to the Board, of the matter composing the decomposition of wood.’

“The rapid decay of our ships of war, particularly exemplified in the recent instance of the Queen Charlotte (which was in a state of rottenness in less than twelve months), having become a matter of serious consequence, I have ascertained a mode by which not only the cause of such premature decay may be removed, but the progress of dry rot prevented; which I am prepared to prove, should your lordship think proper to direct a piece of the most decayed, and a piece of the soundest timber of the Queen Charlotte to be delivered to me. I have been induced to trouble your lordship with this letter, from feelings strongly impressed with the great advantages which would result by increasing the duration of ships, and decreasing the consumption of timber; but should my plan not be thought deserving the attention of the executive naval government, I cannot satisfy my own mind that it should be lost to the public, and shall therefore have it submitted to the consideration of Parliament.

(Signed)“.”

“To Robert Viscount Melville.”

