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Timber Measurement.

A correspondent, Mr. C. J. Duggan, of East Town, sends interesting particulars regarding an unusual method that may be adopted in connection with the lineal measurement of timber. His object in sending it is that it may prove of considerable benefit to those members of the service who have much tally work to do. He also remarks that it will certainly give those who try to explain why this method works out correctly considerable thought. We have personally examined the matter, and while recognising in it an alternative system that may prove useful for checking purposes, do not consider that it would be quite so expeditious as the usual method.

The following are examples worked out by the ordinary and also by the alternative method:—Suppose the lineal feet of the following tally of timber is required, 5/8, 3/9, 7/10, 3/11, 6/12, 9/13. The usual method adopted would be to multiply the length by the indicator number in each instance and add the totals, as example:—

On the other hand if we dispense with the figures which indicate length and only use the figures which indicate the number of pieces (starting with the right hand figure) we proceed as follows:—

Should the lengths miss a consecutive number as: 5/8, 7/10, 3/11, 9/13, each such miss should be considered as a 0 as example:—