Altogether, there were in Sweden in 1912 a total of 407 charcoal works
on a large scale. They employ more than 6 600 hands; and the value of
the output is estimated at 12-7 million kronor. (Cf. also Iron and Steel
Industry).
Tar-hollow.
In olden times, the preparation of tar was a considerable industry in
Sweden, and wood-tar was one of the most important export articles of the
country. The export mostly went via Stockholm, and Stockholm tar was
considered the best. Nowadays this manufacture is principally confined
to the two northernmost Ians; the chief place of export being Umea.. Some
T able 39. Imports and Exports of Tar and Pitch.
Annually
Tar
Quintals
Coal-tar
Quintals
Pitch
Quintals
Total value
Kronor
Imp. Exp- Imp. Exp. ■ Imp. Exp. - Imp. Exp.
1871—75 ................ 17159 83148 5 942 48 1551 1418 : 173 000 1069 000
1876-80 ................ 14 873 70 437 16181 392 2 248 1610 278000 896 000
1881—85 ................ 9 400 83 412 '24 880 1826 3 950 727' 287000 1245 000!
1886—90 ................ 11995 54 270 20 296 12 042 2 995 803 236000 673000
1891—95 ................ 17169 57 991 16 217 21317 2 274 982 276 000 756 000
1896—00 ................ 17 640 40185 28 580 26 103 8 077 598 385 000 541 000
1901—05 ................ 12 757 43 222 26 744 16 514 29 324 455 664000 633 000
1906-10 ................ 9 367 74 212 34 911 32122 28917 1051 546 000 1055000
1911........................ 12 882 73 811 37 661 19191 30 000 2Ó93 598000 1290000
1912........................ 10 932 62 689 60 969 22 451 31151 2186 615 000 610 000
figures are given in Table 39, concerning the imports and exports of
tar and pitch during later years. The manufacture of tar is made either
in open, so-called “tar-hollows” (see illustration below) or in so-called
“tarring-furnaces”. There are also some small establishments for production
on a larger scale.
The manufacture of potash has decreased considerably; it even appears
to be on the point of extinction.
As a by-trade of forestry is sometimes reckoned peat-digging and the
industries connected with it, which, however, is scarcely correct. Now-
a-days, peat-production has developed to on independent trade of great
importance, possessing still greater future possibilities. An account of
the present state of things in this connection is given in the following
pages under the heading: Manufacturing Industries.