Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. We have of late received so many letters asking for present cus toms of Chicago yard grading, and realizing that in ten years' time so many modifications of then existing customs have taken place that the system then prevailing has been subject to many changes, we have_ been moved to undertake the compilation at this time of what we be lieve to be as near the custom of this market in the selection of lum ber as it is possible to write it. Our readers will at once agree with us that it is impossible to collate a description of yard grades which will harmonize with the practice of every lumber dealer. No two men see a board in the same light,g and to a great extent no two will grade exactly alike. Two sorters upon the same yard will differ oftentimes upon the classification of an individual piece. General rules may be written, however, which will be the basis upon which all graders can unite, and the descriptions herein given we believe will be recognized as being of that character. In treating upon the subject we propose to take the Chicago Price List section by section, in the endeavor to give areasonably clear and detailed statement of each item on the list. That our views will in some measure be subject to criticism we have no doubt, and we invite such honest criticisms as will enable us to revise and finally present, perchance, in 'future editions of this work, a complete symmetrical and generally accepted description of the different grades, such as will lead to uniformity of practice in all jobbing and wholesale yards; throughout the country. Retaining the present price quotations, pro portionate values will be the better indicated, but these are not to be taken in any other light than as illustrative, being liable to frequent.
