The second suggestion is, to cut into and around the entire trunk of the tree, near the roots, so that the sap may be discharged; for in this manner it will be done more easily than it can be by evaporation after the tree is felled. In addition to this, if it be permitted to run out at the incision, a large portion of the new and fermentable matter will pass out with it, which would remain in the wood if only such material is removed as would pass off by evaporation. This cutting should be made in the winter previous to the August in which the tree is to be felled; and the incision should be made as deep into the heart-wood as possible without inducing a premature fall of the tree.
The custom of ringing or girdling the tree before felling has been advocated, on the ground that the seasoning is thereby expedited, and also more thoroughly effected. This is doubtful, at least, in oil-containing trees (as teak, &c.), but the practice appears to be contra-indicated for other reasons: when a tree has been ringed, many wood-cutters object to cut it down on account of its increased hardness. This objection might be waived, were it not for another and more serious one which has been adduced. It is believed to be a fact by some that trees felled after girdling have the heart shake increased. It is difficult to explain this, if it be actually the case.
Many suggestions might be made as regards the mechanical operation of felling trees, with which ancient nations were not unfamiliar:
… “for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.”—1 Kings v. 6.
But as these operations are familiar to all intelligent workmen, it is only necessary to mention one, viz. the value of removing from the side of the tree such branches as will strike the ground when it falls, and, by wrenching, cleave the grain of the wood, and thereby injure the timber. Such defects, which are often found after the timber has been seasoned, could not be discovered when it left the mill.
In conclusion, we can truly state that the most extensive felling of trees for one building only which we have ever heard or read of is the following:
“And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains.”—1 Kings v. 15.