Sawdust.
Sawdust has been a source of worry and expense to mill men in various ways, though it is to be admitted that in utilizing it to some extent as fuel they have in part solved the problem of its economical disposition. Lately, there has sprung up a certain demand for it, and the problem of its cheap shipment is now one that presents itself. A Yankee inventor has tried baling it, and appears to have devised a scheme that accomplishes the purpose successfully. He makes the sawdust into bales, and has progressed so far as to be able to compress thirty‐two cubic feet, or a quarter of a cord, into a package three feet long by two feet on each of its sides. As this occupies only twelve cubic feet, the reduction is sixty‐two and one‐half per cent. of its original bulk. The machine used is nothing more than an ordinary hydraulic press, which is arranged in a manner similar to a hay or cotton press. The sawdust is pressed into bales and at the same time inclosed in a burlap covering, making a neat and easily handled package for shipment. Small pieces of wood, shavings, etc., may be baled with the sawdust or separately with equal facility. It appears a simple method of putting this bulky stuff in convenient shape for shipment, and it would seem might be employed to advantage wherever a market can be found for this species of mill refuse.—The Timberman.
ORNAMENTAL KEYSTONES.