by the latter to their various employees, so as to avoid all possibility of errors. If any be found, correct them yourself, if possible; but, if not, refer them to the Engineer for correction.

Second. Each timber-inspector is to be provided with a special stamping-hammer of his own, that has a characteristic mark which will identify all timber passed by him. He is to keep this hammer at all times in his own possession, so that it can be put to no illegitimate use by interested parties; and under no circumstances is he to lend it to another inspector.

Third. Each timber-inspector must study carefully the specifications furnished him, and must be governed thereby; nevertheless, there will be occasions when he must trust to his own judgment as to what timber is fit and what is unfit for the required purpose, for general specifications cannot be made broad enough to cover all cases that may arise in filling a timber bill. Where a number of inspectors are employed on the same piece of work, it will be necessary at the outset for the Chief Inspector to interpret the specifications and supplementary instructions for all of the assistant inspectors, so that the latter shall not differ at all in their requirements.

Fourth. In inspecting timber be careful to distinguish properly between the various varieties that are fit and those that are unfit for use. If not otherwise stated in the specifications, you are to accept and reject as follows:

OAKS.

Accept white, cow, chincapin, post, burr or overcup, and live oaks. Reject red, Spanish or water, black, black-jack, and pin or yellow butt oaks.

PINES.

Accept white, Norway, long-leaf Southern yellow, short-leaf yellow (for certain purposes only), and Cuban pines; also Oregon fir. Reject Southern red, loblolly, and Rocky Mountain yellow pines.