OCR Text |
Show MAKING TIMBER DURABLE.<br><br> An easy and simple method of rendering timber unusually durable, if not practically indestructible, is of the greatest value to the agricultural community. Fence posts, sills of buildings, and other timber exposed to influences which cause rapid decay, last but a few years under ordinary circumstances. It has long been known that lime is and effective preservative, acting in this way by coagulating the albumen in the cellular tisane of the timber. An easy method of preparing the timber has been applied practically by a French mining engineer. A pit was made in which the timber was placed, quick lime was scattered over it, and then slacked with water. After being exposed a few days to the action of the lime, the timber was removed and used as supports for the roof of a mine. Where unprepared timber lasted two years, that prepared in this way has been used for several years without the least appearance of decay. This method of preservation commends itself for its simplicity and cheapness for farm use. |