Wood the growth of the young timber in open stands after the old trees have been removed is more rapid than in trees in a closed forest, and in the manufacture of articles where strength is an important consideration such "second-growth" hardwood material is preferred. This is particularly the case in the choice of hickory for handles and spokes. Here not only strength, but toughness and resilience are important. The results of a series of tests on hickory by the U.S. Forest Service show that: The effect of rate of growth on the qualities of chestnut wood is summarized by the
Stick in the Wheel songs to the repertoire. Stick in the Wheel was formed by Ian Carter, Rachel Thomas Davies and Nicola Kearey who had previously worked together on other projects including the Dubstep group Various. They were joined by Ellie Wilson, a school friend of Nicola Kearey and member of Revere (band), to record their first CD, "EP1". This was recorded partly in their kitchens, Nicola Kearey plays autoharp. In 2013 Rachel Thomas Davies moved to Wales at which point Nicola Kearey took on all the main vocals and was joined by Fran Morter, Si Foote and Ellie Wilson. . Their second EP,