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. CHAPTER IV. ON SEASONING TIMBER BY NATURAL METHODS, VIZ. HOT AND COLD AIR; FRESH AND SALT WATER; VAPOUR; SMOKE; STEAM; BOILING; CHARRING AND SCORCHING, ETC. All timber must, whether it be sap-wood or heart-wood, be placed in situations which will allow the sap to exude or evaporate, and this process is the one technically known by the term “seasoning.” There are natural and artificial modes of seasoning, both of which have their recommendations; but the former has certainly the right of preference, as it gives greater toughness, elasticity, and durability, and therefore should always be employed in preparing timber for carpentry. As the word “timber” has been frequently used, it may be as well to state that it is derived, according to Dr. Johnson, from the Saxon, _timbrian_, to build: hence the above definition. The legal definition of timber is restricted to particular species of wood, and custom varies in different countries as to the species ranked among the timber trees.