58 Miscellaneous Circular 39, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 
sawing has greatly increased the quan- lost in the woods. If the log includes 
tity of lumber which can be produced a serious defect or knot, it will lower 
from a given tract of timber. If scant the grade and seriously affect its use 
sawing saves lumber, and the dimen- if the knot in included. The sample 
sion stock and boards provide ade- studies which have been made on the 
quate strength and protection, let us job show very clearly that there is a 
save the timber. Of course, there is place for much odd-length stock. This 
no true economy if scant sawing is is not only true of dimensions and 
carried beyond the point of safety. framing materials, but of boards. 
Custom again enters and becomes the Considering the present design of 
millstone to progress. frame houses, the purchase of odd- 
Builders have used heavy timbers in length floor joists would frequently 
the past, clear siding and sheathing, be an economy. 
full-sawn dimension stock, even lengths Short lengths are being used in 
and long boards, wide stock and clear house construction, and much more 
stock. With the old models in mind, can he used economically. The ques- 
it is difficult for them to adjust them- tion of short lengths assumes great- 
selves to the point of prescribing the est. importance in small timber and in 
use of smaller dimension and short low-quality logs, and much less im- 
and odd lengths in construction. Too portance in tall timber containing a 
frequently the home builder has felt high percentage of clear stock. The 
that any urging on the part of the manufacturers of hardwood flooring 
retailer for him to use narrower stock have found it possible to market short 
or a lower grade was solely in the lengths. The use of short lengths in 
interest of the retailer. the softwoods is not so extensive. 
The purchaser of lumber, however, Some time studies have been made 
has made considerable progress in his covering the laying of floors. Sample 
acceptance of many of the recommen- studies on the job show that in the 
dations of lumbermen, and he will ac- use of short stock, if not end-matched 
cept others more rapidly if an un- and not assorted into multiples of 
prejudiced report is presented to him lengths, the cost of the labor involved 
showing what can be done economi- in floor laying more than offsets any 
cally, especially if this report is signed gain obtained from the use of such 
by all parties interested in lumber stock. If these sample studies are an 
and its uses. While some progress index of general conditions, it means 
has been made, the condition of our that the manufacturer must produce 
timber supply necessitates the more the stock ready to lay, end-matched, 
rapid adoption of better practice. and the retailer in making the sale 
Cooperation is essential. Short must sort into lengths suitable for the 
lengths and odd lengths will not come particular job. Studies also show 
into common use until the manufac- that fully 40 per cent of the boards 
turer, the retailer, and the designer of used in small frame houses are less 
houses work in cooperation or along than 9 feet long and many are of odd 
the same lines. The logger is not length. There is comparatively little 
going to instruct his logging crew to room for short-length floor joists and 
cut 13-foot logs where 14-foot are im- studding, although in many farm 
possible as long as the retail dealer buildings and in some of our city 
refuses to order such stock; and the residences more short-length studding 
retailer will refuse to order odd could be used.. 
lengths as long as the purchaser or All lumbermen are acquainted with 
consumer refuses to specify such the work on standardization which 
stock ; and the designer, be he archi- has been accomplished after prolonged 
tect. or carpenter, refuses to specify investigation and consideration by 
odd lengths as long as he has no as- bodies representing producers, dis- 
surance of getting delivery. In fact, tributors, and consumers. The gen- 
the designer has more than once been eral acceptance of the standards al- 
disgusted when he ordered 9-foot stud- ready adopted not only will save lum- 
ding, and 18-foot lengths were deliv- ber but is becoming a distinet advan- 
ered and he was billed accordingly. tage in construction. The organiza- 
In the heavy timbered areas of the tion developed for this purpose has 
United States, it is not the practice proved its soundness and its value, and 
to cut logs into odd lengths. Although is in a position to assist in research 
the 13-foot log is known in the Adiron- and adoption of a program in regard 
dacks, it is practically unknown in to better use of lumber in building. 
the South and West. If only even It will be unnecessary to discuss 
lengths were salable, it often happens protective features, for other speakers 
that an extra foot of good lumber is will discuss them. The prevention of