Wood spliting

Leave the bark on in the log to slow the loss from the outside of the blank. Wrap it on with twine if it loosens. This is sometimes necessary if you split up the pith. You'll have to protect the ends to avoid end checks, too.

Bag the whole blank, and accept the spalting that might occur.

Rough the piece you desire so that it may dry from the inside and out. Don't leave the walls too vertical, or you might get splits even when careful. Leave enough thickness to accommodate anticipated shrinkage and desired wall thickness.

Of the three, the last is preferred.