It may be remarked with respect to desiccation, that the timber to be artificially dried is generally exposed to a great heat for a short time, rather than to a moderate heat for a lengthened one; and the air, saturated with the vapour thus produced, is generally very imperfectly removed. Wood so treated is almost sure to split, from the unequal contraction to which it is exposed; and the pores are also very liable to reopen on the wood being withdrawn from the stove, because there is no gradual and permanent change in their mechanical structure. It is only within the last few years past that the artificial desiccation of wood, before its impregnation with an antiseptic preparation in closed vessels, has been frequently adopted in practice. We cannot give a better termination to the few remarks we have made about “steaming and boiling timber,” than by quoting the opinion of the late Sir Charles Barry, R.A., architect to the new Houses of Parliament, which we propose doing in the following manner: “YORK ROAD, LAMBETH, _Nov. 30, 1844_. SIR, 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 6½_d._ 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 6½_d._ 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.