# Looters of the Public Domain/Chapter 25

Chapter XXV
THERE has been such frequent allusion to "cruisers" in these pages that it does not seem amiss to give the reader a short description of this class, whose operations are so essential to the timber business. A cruiser is a person who estimates the standing timber on a tract of land. He must be well versed in the different qualities of timber and able to tell at a glance whether a tree is perfectly sound or not; the amount of clear lumber it will produce, as well as the total quantity in the tree. He is also required to know something about civil engineering, how to run the compass, and to understand the various magnetic variations of the townships. All subdivision lines in a township are not run on the same variations, as they often vary from 3 to 10 degrees. The cruiser must likewise be skilled in mathematics, as much depends upon his accuracy in computing the amount of the different classes of timber on a given tract.
All cruisers do not estimate timber alike, however. Generally the first thing to do is to find the corner post of a section that is to be estimated, and if it should be the southeast corner, and it was concluded to estimate north and south instead of west and east, it is the usual custom to begin by first taking 62½ paces due west from the cornerpost, from which point he would proceed due north, parallel with the section line, noting down in a small plat book at the end of each 100 paces the character of timber encountered, and such other memoranda as would enable the cruiser to form an accurate estimate of each acre traversed. Should he run into a "burn," the exact point of entering same is noted on his plat book, together with the spot where the green timber is once more encountered. The reason for taking 62^4 paces west at the start is based upon the fact that a section of 640 acres—or one mile in extent—is supposed to be covered by 2,000 ordinary paces; hence such a division would make the 62½ paces, equivalent to one-sixteenth of a mile.
After a competent cruiser has completed 2,000 paces, he knows that he is near the north boundary of the section being cruised, and seldom misses the line of survey more than 20 or 30 paces, no matter how rough or broken the country is through which he is passing. He becomes so accustomed to his work that it is possible for a competent cruiser to pace a mile almost as accurately as the lines could be run with a measured chain. As he goes north in this fashion, he makes a careful estimate of the different qualities of timber through which he is passing, setting down the number and varieties of trees, together with the measurements of those of commercial value. It has even been stated that so careful is the great Weyerhaeuser syndicate in this respect that cruisers working for them are instructed to take perfect measurements of each tree, no matter what its size or quality, so as to equip the estimator with the fullest information on the subject.
After the north line of the section has been intercepted, the cruiser will proceed west on the section line for 125 paces, or double the distance previously marked. He does this for a twofold object; first, because from the line originally ​established he is able to determine the character of timber for a distance of at least 6½ paces on either side; second, for the reason that it enables him to cover more territory and accomplish the same object. If, however, he should discover the trees to be remarkably thin, and with little or no underbrush to contend with, he would, in that event, proceed west 125 paces each time, or exactly double the distance originally named. In this manner the entire section is gone over, traveling' north and south upon each occasion until it frequently happens that fully sixteen miles of traveling back and forth are necessary to complete the estimates on a single section. Where a tract of several thousand acres are involved, which often happens, it can be seen readily that a great deal of ground must necessarily be gone over in this way. As a rule, however, the estimator can see plainly for a distance of 6½ paces on either side, and arrive at a close conclusion regarding the quantity of timber on the land.
Very much depends upon the honesty of a cruiser, as may be assumed. He has it in his power to do either the contemplated purchaser of the tract or the one who sells an irreparable injury by any dishonest methods. For instance, he can "stuff" the estimates in such manner as to make it appear that there is a great deal more timber on the land than actually exists, or he can underestimate just as readily, according to how he has been "approached," and if his figures do not show that the land runs up to a given quantity or merchantable lumber, the seller is usually quite willing to shave the price; whereas, if it runs much more than anticipated, the would-be-purchaser is quite eager to buy, when, as a matter of fact, he is paying for padded returns.
In all truth the position of a cruiser or estimator in regard to honesty and reliability is on a par with that occupied by the cashier or paying teller of some large bank. In fact, it is more important, in some respects, as a crooked cruiser is capable of swindling his employer out of thousands of dollars without becoming involved in criminal liability, because, if cornered he can set up as a defense that subsequent estimates exposing- his dishonest efforts are the result of a difference of opinion between experts, and there is no law that can reach him.
A crooked cruiser can defraud his employer by standing in with the man who is selling the timber and stuffing the estimates, or turning in several thousand feet more per acre than the estimates justify. In consequence, a "square" cruiser—of which, unfortunately, the woods are not full—often receives high pay for his services, some of the best obtaining from $15 to $20 a day, besides expenses, and if he is sincere and earnest in his efforts to reach a proper determination of the quantity of timber on a tract, it is obvious that his services are worthy of even greater compensation.
As a matter of fact, estimating timber by "stumpage" has only been in vogue for a few years past, as it has heretofore been the custom to sell land by the quarter section, and not by the thousand feet, as it is purchased now. Consequently, until comparatively recent date, the services of a practical estimator have not been required on the Pacific Coast, as in days gone by, a few million feet one way or the other did not make so much difference on a quarter section. However, timber lands are constantly increasing in value, and rapidly becoming concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy syndicates, so that it is absolutely necessary to know the exact amount each acre is capable of producing before there is much likelihood of a sale. In other words, the intrinsic value of timber lands is becoming recognized more than ever before. "Stumpage" throughout the Pacific Northwest now ranges from 50 cents to $2.50 per thousand feet, according to market conditions and quality of timber, while a decade ago these lands were disposed of on the basis of from $4 to $10 an acre, as the supply and demand justified. This amounted practically to a maximum price of about 25 cents per thousand feet.
In order to be thoroughly competent in making estimates, the cruiser should have had some experience in scaling saw logs in the mill pond, or bed of the mill before being manufactured into lumber, as well as tallying the lumber ​after the logs have been sawed, so as to know just what deductions are necessary with respect to defects in the log, such as blind knots, shake, and many other imperfections that develop in the course of manufacture. He must also be able to judge whether the tree as it stands in the forest is perfectly sound, which is often determined by the fungus growth or "conkers" in the sides of the tree, spike tops, white moss and dead limbs, or similar conditions. The latter is a sure indication that the heart of the tree is more or less affected by rot. In other cases timber with pitch holes, or small openings in the butt of the tree denote serious defects. Another feature that must be considered is the liability of breakage in falling the timber on rough ground. Without being possessed of these qualifications, a cruiser would be unable to determine with any degree of accuracy whether a body of timber was sound or not.
When a tract is cruised, the estimates should show the quantity of timber; as well as the different qualities thereof on each subdivision of forty acres, together with notes showing the location of "burns" and openings; all branches, streams, ridges, elevations, slopes, and in fact it should contain a complete pen-picture of everything connected with the tract, including the most feasible method of getting the timber out, character of soil, etc.
Cruisers and estimators throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, and other prominent Middle Western lumbering States, are in a class by themselves, and are regarded generally with feelings of the greatest respect wherever they go, as they are known to occupy an important station in life. Although often roughly attired, they are usually men of affairs, and invariably seek the best accommodations obtainable. Up to within the past few years, Pacific Coast cruisers—so-called—were very much in disrepute, being looked upon as land sharks of a dangerous type. As a rule they knew less concerning the correct method of estimating the timber on a tract of land than a horse does of religion, their principal stock in trade consisting of a deep-seated desire to catch "suckers" by masquerading as experts on timber valuations. For the most part, they embraced a class of "locators," who, by process of dishonest methods, had brought a stigma upon their calling, and in consequence were regarded as "undesirable citizens."
During 1900 I had occasion to stop in San Francisco for a night while enroute from Minnesota, accompanied by the president of a large timber land syndicate, and one of his cruisers, the latter a trustworthy and reliable gentleman and one who understood the timber business thoroughly. They had come West with me for the purpose of cruising and estimating a large tract of redwood timber land in Humboldt County, Cal., with a view of purchasing. We entered the Palace Hotel and were about to register, when the incipient clerk at the desk, noticing the garbs of my two companions, adjusted his eyeglasses, and with a glance of the coldest hauteur, politely informed them that he did not have a room left, but that they could secure suitable accommodations by applying at a cheap lodging house south of Market street. They had thrown their packs down on the marble floor of the celebrated hostelry, and their general appearance probably gave the clerk the impression that they were a couple of tramps, whereas, either could have bought the Palace Hotel with the fastidious young man at the desk thrown in.
This article would be incomplete without detailing some of the nefarious methods in vogue among a certain class known as "locators," who make a point of plying their vocations for no other purpose than reaping a harvest from the crop of "suckers" abounding in all public land States. They represent the unwary that are caught in every conceivable net. When "Hungry Joe," the celebrated New York bunco sharp was asked how it was possible for him to ply his vocation when his methods were so well known, he replied: "Because there is a sucker born every minute!"
The same conclusion would apply with equal force to the business of locating persons on the public lands, and especially in a timbered region. Visions of great wealthy are always in the mind's eye wherever the public domain is involved, because it appeals to the general public as being a something for nothing proposition. Consequently, it is usually an easy matter to find some one quite eager to bite at any get-rich-quick bait of this character. The woods are full of timber land locators, styling themselves cruisers, when, at a matter of fact, they are not familiar with the first rudiments of the game when it comes to estimating the quantity of timber on a given tract of land. They are ex]ierts, however, in any plan that contemplates swindling some poor deluded creature out of from $25 to $100 by locating him in a "burn," or on a worthless piece of ground, under the representation that it will cut several million feet of lumber. The scheme is worked by taking the victim into a heavy tract of timber already patented, showing him the cornerposts of the section he is to file on. and then taking him to the land office where he makes his entry. In all probability the post has either been manufactured to order, or else transplanted from another section in some township miles away, but it answers the purpose of deluding him into the belief that he is securing a great bargain, and he only discovers his mistake when a subsequent survey indicates that an imposition has been practised.
For the benefit of those contemplating acquiring a timber claim at any time in the future there is presented herewith the diagram of a section corner, exhibiting the customary witness trees and other evidence of exact locality, from the field notes of an official survey, a careful study of which will enable any person to readily determine whether he is on the land represented irrespective of what marks may be on the alleged section post.
Every section corner is supposed to have four bearing, or witness trees, by which to identify the corner. This is done in order that the corner can be easily re-established in case of destruction by fire or any other process. The witness trees are generally those nearest to the corner, and vary in size as well as quality, for puq^oses of identification. With that idea in view, they are naturally at different angles from the section post, and at random distances as well, the "land mark" feature being the chief consideration. These trees are marked by the deputy United States surveyor at the time he sets the posts when surveying the towmship, and a description of these marks is incorporated in his field notes, at which time he designates the character of the trees, their diameter, as well as the distance and angle of each from the post. These field notes are readily obtainable from the United States Surveyor-General's office in any public land State.
Corner posts and "bearing trees" to the corner of sections 25, 26, 35 and 36, Township 4 South, Range 5 East W. M. as described in the field notes of the Government survey.
The marks on the trees were made with a marking iron by the Deputy United States Surveyor, at the time the survey was made, and more particularly described as follows to-wit:
Set post 4 feet long, 4 inches square, 24 inches in ground for corner to sections 25, 26, 35 and 36, marked T. 4. S. S. 25, on North East face, R. 5 E. S. 36, on South East face, S. 35, on South West face, S. 26 on North West face, with one notch on South and East edges, from which a fir 48 inches diameter, bears North 20 degrees East 27 links' distance, marked T. 4. S. R. 5. E. S. 25. B. T.
A Cedar 18 inches diameter, bears South 28 degrees East, 23 1/2 links distance, marked T. 4. S. R. 5. E. S. 36. B. T.
A Fir 60 inches diameter, bears South 60 degrees West, IZVz links distance, marked T. 4. S. R. 5. E. S. 35. B. T.
A White Pine 24 inches diameter, bears North 30 degrees West, 61'2 links distance, marked T. 4. S. R. 5. E. S. 26. B. T.
Thus it will be seen, that it is an utter impossibility to find a duplication of trees at any two section corners, taking into consideration the character of the trees, as well as the angle and distance they lay from the corner post. Hence, it is easy to determine if the correct corner has been found. By an inspection of the field notes on file in the Surveyor General's Office, which describes accurately the distance each bearing tree is from the corner, its variety, and such other details as will enable a person to ascertain whether any trick has been played when a locator shows one the land.
Many surveyors use a stone for a post, wherever obtainable, as they are more indestructible. By horizontal lines engraved thereon, it can be readily determined how far the corner is from the township line. For instance, if it was the corner to the southeast corner of section 16, the stone would show three horizontal marks on the East side, and the same number on the south side, indicating that it was three miles from the East and south boundaries of the township, or practically in the center thereof. These stones are usually about 10x10 inches, and extend above ground from 14 to 20 inches, according to circumstances. as there is no established rule to govern. They are always described minutely in the field notes of the survey, however, and by following these notes carefully there is no reason why any person should not know if he is on the right land, or whether somebody is trying to misrepresent the true conditions for whatever purpose intended to deceive.