Although this subject may appear to be rather stale, it may, under the present circumstances, be of interest to some members of the Institute, and of some value to the miner. Since the earliest history of Mining and ever since mining works were carried on at any depth, timbering the ground was found to be necessary, and has been carried on almost from the very first. This was not only necessary to the ground open but it was also done for the protection the workmen employed. To secure this in an efficient and economical way it is necessary to consider not only the local conditions, but also the strength and durability of the different kinds of timber available and then to select the most suitable for the purpose required. That, as a rule, is considered sufficient, and in a great many cases it is so, but instances may occur, when other conditions require consideration.