258
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
"way of proceeding the time required to remove Timber from the
"place where it was felled may be so economised as to advance the
"seasoning very considerably; constantly recollecting to keep it
"from rain and the wet ground ; thus, in many cases much time may
"be gained. If Timber cut at different periods be placed in the same
"stack it will not be difficult to regulate the turning of the stacks so as
"to bring that which is most seasoned to the workmen's hands first.
"The wood that is removed for the use of the builders should, all the
"time it is in their hands, be kept under shelter from rain even when
"worked into the frame, which should be placed under covering, and
"as high as possible in the stocks with a free passage for air around the
"very keel.
"These proceedings being attended to, the Timber may be con-
"sidered as seasoned more and more until the Ship is finished, when she
"need not remain in Dock or Ordinary for seasoning and if then kept
''clean and dry according to observations in a former report she may
"still be improving the quality of her Timbers, getting the better for
"wear and absolutely increasing in value for a long time, even so as
"at the end of another century to vie with the Royal William instead
"of requiring to be almost rebuilt in a few years. By this mode of
"seasoning there will always be wood free from rot or Fungi and fit for
"building durable Ships : the Timber yards also, being kept clean, all
"the repositories will have a more comfortable, pleasant and
"wholesome appearance.
"I do not doubt, after the late prevailing unfortunate circumstances
"that the wisdom of your Honourable Board will contrive that every
"requisite attention shall be paid to the subject and will also determine
"upon the means to carry so great a concern into execution in the
"most proper manner.
"As Hygrometers are to be used generally and as I am requested
"to state the names and addresses of the makers of the instruments
"whose construction I prefer, I beg leave to state that it was my desire
"to get an Hygrometer constructed of a different form from the one
"I had used and which might be easier applied, but I have not yet got
"it completed. Should I obtain one that I think will answer I will
"submit it to the inspection of your Honourable Board. The one I
"used is called Katers Hygrometer, it was made by Mr. Jones of
"Oxendon Street. It answers the purpose extremely well, but its
"divisions require to be calculated to bring them to a common standard,
"and each instrument requires a different calculation. Any other
"in which the extremes of wet and dry are marked, may do, as De
"Luc's, etc. Immersion in water or perfect wetness is considered as
"1000° above perfect dryness.
"When the Index is below 300° the air is so dry as to be uncom-
"fortable and injurious to Timber, cracking and opening it as in hot
"climates. From 400° to 600° in our vicinity I have found agreeable
"and safe, above that point the air is sensibly damp and more especially
"if confined and rather warm, supports the growth of Fungi; From
"800° to 900° is very dangerous in any moderate temperature, often
"causing the rot in Timber and promoting the growth of Fungi, in all