Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1852-08-05

numerous inquiries which he has made IN
some quarters, and from Information OBJ
tained from reliable sources, it scenes he
has established the TACT that autumn is the
time for cutting timber. When 1t IS de-
to cut timber, it is OF consldera-
BILE importance to strip off the bark IN the
sp ring that the body of the tree may airy TO
reproduce a forest from the remaining
stumps, then winter, or the very hrst OF
spring, is much more favorable to the
growth of sprouts.
There are, then, two seasons for cutting
wood if it is expected to last, at must De
cut the last of Summer, or during the early
mart of autumn; if it is wished to clothe the
surface with new growth Of trees, the cnt-
ting must be made late in winter.
It's, however, possible to modify these
arrangements if, for example, the wood is
designed for timber, it is deprived of It's
bark in the spring, it may be allowed to
stand and season ill winter arrives, which
is period when farmers have less to do
than in summer or autumn.
Ill SGHSUUIHR, WuON iCthlho uhA N'HN"HN -
water which may he regarded as its constI-
tutional supply. This constitutional water
is very important; for upon lis presence
some of the most valuable properties OF the
wood depend | refer to elasticity and
strength If wood, for example, is dried
in water bath at 2l2 deg. till it comes to
lose weight, its elasticity and strength is
very much diminished Hickory, when drl-
cd in this way, becomes as brittle as pine.
In ordinary seasoning, or in steamlng, be-
lieve the strength of the wood is not dmin-
ished. This observation may not be of
much practical importance, as this plan of
seasoning is but rarely followed. The
amount of water varies, as will be observed,
in different species Of trees, as well as her.
baceous plants.
In another point Of view the amount of
water is important to be known, Tor the diff
ference between taking green and dry wood
to market, as we'll as consuming, is very
great; and so, also, as ample experience
proves, there is material difference in
burning green or dry wood The quantity
Of water varies from 20 to so per cent,
and probably the average amount will not
differ from 80 to 40 per cent. This water
is not only Of no use to the fire-wood, but
il is prejudclaI, as it must be dissipated by
heat, in which act heat or calorc becomes
latent or last, especially if the wood is con.
sumed upon hearth or in a stove.
In addition to the effect of water dimin.
ishing the combuslibillly of wood, the aka
lies have also considerable influence of this
kind. Elm, which is apotash wood, burns
with muchless freedom than hickory, which
contains much lime.
1t is, however, possible that the size of
the pores of wood may modify its combuS-
tiblity. Black oak is notable instance Of
slow and drizzing combustion; the pores
are large and numerous, from which the wa.
terry sap continually oozes.
In addition to the foregoing, we subjoin
the following remarks from letter written
by Mr., VIM Painter, of ConcordvlIe, Pa,
to the Hon. Thomas Ewbank, of the patent
Office. We had intended the preparation of
an article from our own experience and
knowledge, in reference to the subject of
timber cutting, but our design was superce-
ded by petusal of the foregoing, and the
letter of Mr.. Painter,
During an experience .of more than
forty years as plain, practical farmer,
have taken much interest in ascertaining
the best season for telling timber, and now
state with confidence, that fencing timber,
such as all kinds of oak, chestnut, red hlck-
ory, and walnut, cut from the middle of Ju-
Iy to the last Of August, will last more than
twice as long as when cut in winter, or
common barking time in spring.
For instance cut a saplng, say five
inches in diameter, for IA lever, in the month
of August, and another of similar quality
and size in winter or spring. know, if
the first is stripped Of its bark (Which at
that time runs we'll, } it will raise body
Of thrice the weight that can be raised by
the latter.
" Another great advantage to be derived
from telling timber in the last running of the
sap (he time above Specified is. that it is
neither subject to dry rot, nor worms white
oak, cut at this season, if kept ofthe gronud
will season through two feet in diameter,
and remain perfectly sound many years
whereas, if cut in winter or spring, it will
be perfectly sap-rot en- in less than two years.
For ship building and other purposes,
where great expense is incurred in construc-
ton, the immense advantage of preparing
timber at the nrODer season muSt he avidont
to all.
81 have no doubt, ship built of timber
cut between the middle OF July and the last
of August, would last nearly twice as long
as one built of timber cut at the usual time,
and would bear infinitely more hard usage
as the timber seasons more perfectly, and
is far harder
{" A few years since one of the large
government ships, built in Philadelphia, of
the very best materials, but several years in
construction, when ordered to be finished
and launched, was found upon inspection
to be entirely worthless in many of her
timbers (though kept under cover) of dry.
rot
In all my building for many years past
with large timbers Of white and other oak
this has never occurred, nor are they subject
to be worm-eaten.
" Even fire-wood cut at the proper sea
son, is worth from 30 to go per cent more
than when cut in the spring or winter.
" If the above facts are considered ofan,
value, please make use Of them. and if thosr