When there is not time for gradual drying, the best method, perhaps, that can be adopted, especially for sappy timber, and if strength is not principally required, is immediately on felling to immerse it in running water; and after allowing it to remain there about a fortnight, to set it in the wind to dry. Some persons prefer this method of seasoning timber, as they say it prevents cleaving, and strips and seasons better afterwards. This process has been adopted with good results by placing the boards end on at the head of a mill race for fourteen or twenty days, at most, and then setting the boards upright, and subject to the action of the sun and wind; though it is questionable whether the sun will not do them more harm than good. As they stand, turn them daily, and when perfectly dry--which process will take about one month--it is considered they will be found to floor better than timber after many years of dry seasoning. The sap-wood of oak is said to be improved by this method, being much less subject to be worm-eaten; and providing it is placed in fresh running water, Mr. G. A. Rogers, the celebrated wood carver, is of opinion that the colour of the oak is improved. The more tender woods, such as alder and the like, are less subject to the worm when water seasoned. Beech is said to be much benefited by immersion. It should be remembered that the timber should be altogether under water (chained down beneath its surface), as partial immersion is very destructive. Du Hamel considers “that where strength is required, wood ought not to be put in water.” Timber should never be kept floating in ponds or docks, as in London; but it should be stacked, as at Liverpool and Gloucester. Timber that has been lying for months in ponds or docks is sometimes cut up, and in six or seven days fixed in a building; consequently, the usual result takes place, viz. dry rot. After having been swelled by soaking much beyond its former bulk, the baulk of timber is put on the saw-pit, and cut into scantlings, and framed while in this wet state, therefore it cannot be surprising that the dry rot soon appears as a natural consequence. Amongst wheelwrights the water seasoning is in general favour. It is said that the colour of the white woods is improved by water seasoning, boiling, or steaming. The Venetians place the oak used for gun-carriages in water for two years before it is used, and the timber for sea service two or three years under water. The Turks do not appear to pay any attention to seasoning, for they fell their timber at all times of the year without any regard to the season, and although they grow very good oak, it is used so green and unseasoned that it not only twists, but decays rapidly, as anyone may observe in the houses at Constantinople and other Turkish towns.