THE OAK AND WESTMINSTER HALL, [To 71I2 Eorrox or rats
.131..CMOR."]
SIR,—In your issue of May 16th you strike the right note when you speak of the joy of seeing oaks, like those described by Mr. Lionel B. Wells, " growing with the bracken about their knees." Unfortunately, all over the country these magnificent trees are being ruthlessly hewn down to pay taxation. It is due to this fact, however, that there will be no difficulty in obtaining oak for this roof, and I should like to correct one or two statements made in the article which appeared in the
Times on May let. There are several contractors who would be glad to have the opportunity of supplying all the oak required from stock already available. These contractors would undoubtedly know the history of their timber suffi- ciently to guarantee that it " conformed to the requirements laid down by expert opinion "; but the history of the timber, is not in the least degree necessary to enable the expert judge to decide whether the timber would be suitable or not. Instead of it being an advantage for the timber to be "at least two years fallen before it is converted," it may safely be said that it would be a great disadvantage. All timber, if possible, should be converted immediately it is fallen to give the best results. A log left fallen unconverted con- tinues to split, does not season, and is liable to the attack of many parasites and fungi, which may cause harm which will not become apparent until some time afterwards. Seasoning for six months under cover, after being cut to the scantlings in which it is to be used, cannot be of any service whatever ; a much longer time is necessary for seasoning, if any attempt is made. With the knowledge which is now possessed by com- petent architects and engineers, for such sizes as are required and for such a purpose it is doubtful if seasoning is necessary. With the exception of those portions of the timber which might be built in, no serious harm results from the process of seasoning which takes place when in the roof, and a manner of construction could. be devised which, instead of necessitating the enclosure of any portions of the timber, would properly ventilate these parts and obviate any danger. It is doubtful if the oak used in ancient times was Quercus sessilillora, but if it was, Laslett, who probably had a greater experience than any other• man, came to the conclusion that it was impossible to say that either Q. sessiliflora or Q. pedunculata produced the better timber, and the probability is that our many experts would know how to select the best timber without regard to
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