WOOD PRESERVING AND SEASONING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 17, 20 May 1871, Page 5

WOOD PRESERVING AND SEASONING.

By the process of Mr Archibald B. Tripler, of New Orleans, wood is said to be preserved from decay in the following manner: —The wood is cut into two or more equal parts or slabs. These pieces are bored at equal distances to receive the trenails to unite them, and they are immersed in a solution of coal-tar and powdered charcoal, either hot or cold, in equal or unequal parts, which not only thoroughly impregnates the slabs with carbon, but coats the surface with an adhesive material, so that when put together their adjacent sides will adhere together, and form interior partitions or walls of antiseptic or preservative agents, extending from one end of each slab to the other. These slabs are then united with trenails, or double pins, in such a manner as to lock them as firmly and solidly as if they were one piece. The timber thus prepared is immersed in a solution consisting of asphaltum, or mineral pitch, 80 parts; sulphur, 5 parts ; arsenic, 5 parts ; coal-tar, 5 parts ; powdered charcoal, 5 parts —in all, 100 parts. This solution will cover the surface, and fill up the joints and crevices between the slabs, rendering them impervious to water, and effectually preventing atmospheric decomposition by insulating it from the decaying influences of the elements.

A professor at Munich (says the “ Cornish Telegraph) has published the results of his experience on the seasoning of wood, which, as a practical question, is worth attention in many quarters. Growing wood, says the professor, contains in winter about 50 per cent of water; in March and April, 46 ; and 48 per cent in the next three months, with but little variation up to November. Timber dried in the air holds from SO to 25 per cent of water—never less than 10 per cent. Wood dried by artificial means until all moisture is expelled, is deprived of its elasticity, and becomes brittle. If the natural qualities of the wood are to be preserved, the drying must begin at a moderate heat, and be carried on very slowly. For the drying of small pieces of wood, such as are used by joiners and cabinet makers, the professor recommends a bath of dry sand heated to a temperature not exceeding 100 degrees. The sand diffuses the heat and absorbs moisture ; but it must be cold when the wood is first buried therein.