A very effective and simple apparatus for artificially seasoning small and short lumber can be put up wherever a small quantity of steam - from the boiler or exhaust of a steam engine, say - is available for use. The material to he treated is placed, preferably on end, in a large steam-box or barrel, and allowed to become thoroughly saturated with the steam. This will take from two to ten hours, according to the kind and thickness of the wood. No pressure is required, but the top of the barrel should he closed with a lid. The apparatus should not be kept inside a building on account of the escaping steam. A false bottom of wire netting or something similar is placed across the barrel at PB (see sketch) to keep the materia] being treated away from the bottom proper and allow the steam to become evenly distributed. After it is taken out the wood is piled under cover in the ordinary manner and allowed to dry; this, in small thin material, usually takes three weeks or a month. The drying time might be considerably shortened by utilising the space above the boiler as a drying loft.

A temperature of 120° to 180° F. (obtainable above most boilers) would get the drying over in a day or two, but the material should not be transferred to such a position direct from the steambox; let it have a few days'ordinary drying first. The apparatus is quite suitable for steam-bending purposes, butfortreatingrimsand sticks for lawn-tennis and lacrosse rackets a long horizontal box, as used by boat-builders, should be made, having as small a capacity as possible consistent with the work it will be required to do. The steam pipe should be introduced at about the middle of its length, and the material inserted from the end. If no boiler from which steam could be drawn is accessible, the cheaper plan would be to forward a parcel to a drying-kiln proprietor and have the drying done by contract.

Apparatus for Artificially Seasoning, Small Lumber.