Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-02-19
VERNON TELEG APH.

the winter; probably this is done for the
of cutting holes in them at
that season; and although their rails last
so long, yet their posts begin to decay in
seven or eight years, according to the soil I
in which they are placed. When from
necessity they are obliged TO cut few
posts in the summer, with the expecta.
ton, however, that they will soon decay !
if they last thirty or forty years land
there are instances of this kindly they
speak of it as very remarkable circum-
stance, but never inquire into the natural
cause, nor alter their practice. There
are other instances Of the extraordinary
longevity of timber; wooden abutmen,s 10
bridges, pumps, piles, foundations of weirs.
cot1ertams, Sc, full notice of which
would fill voume-all going to show
that there is a season in which if timber
be cut, it will last for many years beyond
the average time for which it now lasts:
and that there is season in which if it
be cut, it will not last over eight or len
years, notwithstanding any artificial p.o-
cess through which it may be made to
pass In my opinion, June is the best
time IN which to cut timber, in order 10
make 1t last, though do not suppose that
1t would make any great difference if it
were cut IN either of the other summer
months.
"At the period al which was strenu-
ously advocating the doctrine of cutting
timber in the winter, | had small appIe
tree which had been engrafled with
choice fruit, and had been growing per-
haps seven or eight years. There was
one limb on it which did not like, be-
cause it was growing in wrong direc-
ton. took it off in December, because
believed the sap to be then in the roots,
and therefore at this season there would
be none of it wasted or taken away with
the limb, and of course the branches left
would receive greater portion of nour-
lshment IN the spring. Somtime after
ward, | examined the tree, and found that
the part or stump Of the limb which re-
manned within the surface of the BODY.
was affected with the drv ro: in its purest
TYPE. | removed this with my knife, and
found that the disease had made its attac k
on the body of the tree itself. The tree.
alter the limb was taken off, became sick
/ y, and It's fruit after it began to bear was
imperfect.
Il would here observe, that it is the
common practice when people cut the
timber OF houseframe, to do it in the
winter, because as they think, it will be
more durable; but they will not trim their
trees at that season, because they have
learned from experience that if they do.
the trees will contract the dry rot; there
tore they do it in the spring. But DR..
Ives, of New-Haven, goes even further:
he trims his trees in June, and thinks
they do better al that season of the wear.
because the wounds heal quicker. This
is right, for as the immediate cause Of The
disease is not contained in the heart. wood
at that season, therefore the remaining
stump being almost all heart-wood, en-
never be attacked by the disease, and the
wound will heal quicker; but if the trim
ming be done IN December, the cause of
the disease is contained in the stumps at
that season and as they can not be remov-
|
soon attacks and DESTROYS them, and then
the wound will never heal. Although
trees thus situated may, by their abund-
ant foliage, their extended branches and
their smooth bodies, appear to be in per-
feet health, (Which is sometimes the case
yet they are. doomed trees; for the canker
having entered into their organization, is
preying upon their very vitaIs, and will
sooner or later. PROSTATE them in the
dust"
In the communication from which the
preceding statements have been taken.
there are many other facts given, all CO.
ing TO establish the same print. viz. thai
timber should be cut and trees shouI1 ha
trimmed In the summer, and not in the
winter, as is the common practice. I
should remark, however. that these state
mems concern more especially such tim
Der as the oak, chesnut, &c, and not
those trees whose heart-wood is filled with
resnous matter, such as the different
species OF pine; IN the case of these last
mentioned tress. [ do not suppose that it
will make much difference at what sea-
son they be cut. Perhaps it NAV be
objected TO cutting timber in the summer.
that farmer is generally so busy at that
season. that he can not spare the time
necessary from his other occupations.
But let 1t be recollected that it is not
necessary that the timber should be fully
prepared for its intended use at that sea.
son, but only cut down, or perhaps even.
girdling would do if it be made sufficient.
ly deep to kill the tree, and the work NAV
then be lef: to be finished at time ofI
greater leisure. Should farmer be
obliged TO hire this done. the axnnnso