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PLATE VI.

Kyanized fence around Reservoir on Lynde's Hill, Lowell, Mass., built 1850. reënforced near the ground line by 2 1-2 inch kyanized spruce plank 6 1-2 feet long.

Photographed in 1891.

In 1885 some of the posts were

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Kyanized Spruce post, 6" x 8", in Reservoir fence, Lynde's Hill, Lowell, Mass., since 1850. Dug up and photographed in 1891.

the sides of the posts, at and near the ground. The fence has been whitewashed with lime a number of times since it was built, and this undoubtedly has had a tendency to preserve the part above ground, independent from the kyanizing process. This example is as good a one as can be found in this vicinity, and clearly demonstrates the economy of kyanizing spruce timber that is to be placed in situations which expose it to decay.

Spruce posts may last from six to eight years, if placed in the ground in their natural state, depending much upon their condition. If full of sap, they would decay very quickly; but if well seasoned before they are placed in the ground, they would last several years longer. In the case of the reservoir fence above mentioned, the kyanized posts lasted thirty-five years before any repairs were made. The fence is now in good condition, and will wear for a number of years more.

Plate VII. is a view of one of the spruce posts in the same reservoir fence, taken up very recently at the point indicated. in Plate VI., where the three men are at work. It is a remarkably good specimen of kyanized spruce, which after forty-one years of service remains apparently as sound and good as the day it was put in the ground. It is exceptional, however, as most of the posts in the reservoir fence are more or less decayed near the ground line, although the parts above and below the surface are apparently quite sound.

The cost of kyanizing depends mainly upon the cost of corrosive sublimate, which is one of the important products made from mercury. The present charge for kyanizing at Lowell is eight dollars per thousand feet board measure, which gives a small profit, and enables the company to keep the works and railroad tracks leading to them in good running order. The amount of lumber treated at Lowell, including what has been done for outside parties, averaged about 750,000 feet board measure per annum for the past six years, and represents about one-half of the capacity of the works.

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