[4].
Beech, suited for plank, is sometimes of more value when
straight and of considerable length for the purposes of keel-pieces;
for this the log requires to be from 30 to 70 feet in length, and at
least of sufficient thickness at the small end to square a foot.
[5].
These directions are generally applicable—as well for what
may be required for being bent for compass-timbers, and for what
may be used for land purposes, as for plank.
[6].
There are several valuable varieties of apple-trees of
acute branch angle, which do not throw up the hark of the breeks; this
either occasions the branches to split down when loaded with fruit, or,
if they escape this for a few years, the confined bark becomes putrid,
and produces canker, which generally ruins the tree. We have remedied
this by a little attention in assisting the rising of the bark with
the knife. Nature must not be charged with the malformation of these
varieties; at least, had she formed them, as soon as she saw her error
she would have blotted out her work.
[7].
Commencing by times, the greater part of training and
pruning for plank, excepting in the case of dead branches, fractures,
and last pruning, may be performed by a small knife.
[8].
We are not in possession of sufficient facts to judge of
the effect to hasten or deter decay occasioned by the timber having
been softened in hot liquids of 212° or upwards, and not raised so
high as to generate pyrolignous acid; but we think it must impair the
elasticity.
[9].
As excellent plank can be obtained by importation, the
grower of naval timber ought to regard the production of crooks
as a more patriotic occupation than the production of plank. It
will generally pay better.