A treatise on the origin, progress, prevention, and cure of dry rot in timber

by Thomas Allen Britton

In reply to your application, we beg to acquaint you that we are willing to undertake the ordinary works required in the finishings of the new Palace of Westminster. … The wainscot to be used in the joiner’s work is assumed to be from the best Crown Riga wainscot in the logs, and from pipe-staves of the best quality, in equal proportions, to be prepared for use by steaming, or otherwise.…

Grissell & Peto.”

Charles Barry, Esq.

Sir Charles Barry recommended this tender to the Treasury for acceptance; but we fancy that he was doubtful about the efficacy of steaming, as we think will appear from the following extract from an “Agreement between Sir Charles Barry and Messrs. Grissell and Peto, builders:

“First. That the wainscot is assumed to be from the log and pipe-staves in equal quantities; the prime cost of which, in inch boards, seasoned by steam, or other artificial means, so as to be fit for use, is calculated at 6½d. per foot superficial.

“Secondly. That if it should be found necessary to make use of thoroughly dry wainscot boards for the whole or any portion of the joiner’s work, seasoned by natural means (viz. exposure to the atmosphere), the prime cost of such boards, with the addition of a profit of 7½ per cent., is to be allowed for them, over and above the price of 6½d. per foot superficial, the prime cost of wainscot boards provided for in the contract, as above stated.” (Italics are our own.)

SEASONING BY SMOKE DRYING.

Smoke drying in an open chamber, or the burning of furze, fern, shavings, or straw under the wood, is said to give it hardness and durability; and, by rendering it bitter, destroys and prevents worms. It also destroys the germ of any fungus which may have commenced. It is an old and well-founded observation that smoke drying contributes much to the hardness and durability of woods. Virgil appears to have been aware of its utility, when he wrote the passage which is thus translated by Dryden:

“Of beech, the plough-tail, and the bending yoke,

Or softer linden, hardened in the smoke.”—Georgics, i., 225.