Page:Timber and Timber Trees, Native and Foreign.djvu/334

 CHAPTER XXXIX.

ON THE SEASONING AND PRESERVATION OF TIMBER.

properties and characteristic qualities of the various species of timber being known, it will be easy for any one engaged in engineering or architectural works to select the particular species or kind most suited for his purpose; he will also, by the aid of the tables of experiments upon the several varieties, be enabled to determine the scantlings, and thus economise the process of conversion.

It has been stated in Chapter XI., from observations extending over many years, that Oak and other timber felled during the winter was preferable for constructive purposes to that felled in the spring or summer months; but this must be taken only as applying to the deciduous trees, there not being, so far as I am aware, any difference in the wood of the evergreens whether they are felled in the winter or the spring months. As regards the former class, however, I have carefully examined and compared a great many pieces of both winter and spring or summer felled logs, and found, almost invariably, that the winter-cut timber, after being a few years in store, was in better condition than that which had been cut in the spring. Both, be it observed, having been under similar treatment for preservation.