The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-06-06
ALL TINES AND SEASON IN ADVANCE.
West Virginia Timber.

timber now being developed consists aof
Oak and Poplar, found everywhere in the
State, except ona few high levels in the
mountain section. Walnut Cherry,
Sycamore, Ash, Chesnut, Chestnut Oak
and Locust are next in importance, though
much less abundant. In the whole basin
drained by Fishing Creek, Middle leland
Creek, Little Kanawha and branches,
Sand Greek, Great Kanawha and those
ofits branches emptying into it below the
Falls; and then Guyandotte and Big
Sandy rivers, these species Of timber at
tain size not surpassed on tho Nerth
American continent east of the Rocky
Mountains. Here, straight and stalwart
oaks and hickorys, and poplars may be
found, towering up side by side, iuterlac-
ing their contracted crowns IS or 100
feet above tho ground, representing to
tho business man from 800 to 1900 feet
of lumber per tree, and to the lover of the
grand and beautiful in nature. some Of
the most imposing sylvan scenes imagina-
bic. This region is emphatically the
home of dcciduous timber; but ever
greens, especially the white pine, arc sell
dom mot here, except in occasional groves,
and scarcely ever Of the largest size, or
unmixed With other timber.
East Of the line of rapids mentioned
above, evergreens gradually increase in
size and quantity, and the largest pine
region in the State probably extends
through tho counties Of Fayette and Rs
leigh, on both sides Of New river and
some distance up Gauley river. In the
mountain counties, not only the White
Pine, but the Hemlock and Spruce are
extensively found among deciduous tim
ber; and Of remarkable size and faultless
growth. The finest specimens Of Hem
lock abound in tho Cheat and ereenbrier
mountains, and on the tablo lands Of
Tucker, Randolph, Pendleton, Pocahont-
as, Nicholas and Webster. Here alse,
as mentioned in the chapter on climate,
neither Oak. Poplar or Hickory are TO be
found, but in their room thrive noble
specimens Of Sugar or Hard Maple, Ash.
Beech, Birch, Wild! Cherry and Black
Walnut, some Of the two latter measuring
from 4 to 5 feet. and exceptionally even
6 or 7 feet in diameter. From the Stasn-
ton and Parkersburg turnpike, ncar the
head Of Greenbrisr river, toward tho
north, south and east, stretoh upward Of
$50, 900 acres Of the most magnificent
forest in the State, scarcely broken By
less than fifty scattered mountain farms.
These lands. which may now be purchased
at $1.25 ts 81 per aero, will easily COM
mand from IS to $40 per acre so soon as
an outlet for timber is provided. elf
When land is cleared in this region,
tie beech, ash and even the sugar are
girdled. and burned or permitted to decay
upon the ground, and Virginia worm
fences are built Of Black Walnut and
Wild Cherry, worth in Baltimore from
S45 to $50 per thousand feet. There is
no remedy for this, almost criminal waste.
except in the speedy construction Of. an
outlet to the nearest nuvigable point Of
Cheat river, at, or near Tucker Court
House, distance Of 25 miles above
RowlosLurg station on the Baltimore Is
Ohio R. R. From tho staunton turn.
pike to Tucker Court House, or ST.
George, the distance is about s. miles BY
way of the Laurel Fork Of Cheat rivor,
aud double track tram road connecting
those two points, would promote the dee
.elopment Of region large enough for q
separate county, and unsurpassed in tim
ber.d wealth, and grazing and dairy ia.
cilities. Above the main forks Of Cheat,
in Tucker county, the several branches Of
tho river are entirely too rough b and too
rapid for safe navigation, though it is
supposed that with some blasting, Laurel
Fork could be mado practical for single
logs and small RATS.
Il Il y y II
Wagon and carriage stuff is beginning
to bo manufactured for expectation at va.
rious points Of the railroad. The prejd-,
dice horetototo prevailing in favor Of
Connecticut hickory is rapidly waning,
judging from tho large orders now being
received for West Virginia spokes, etc.
An occasional survey Of the railroad depot
at Partersburg, when filled With tons Of
wagons, carriages, plough-beams, furni.
ture, and twenty other articles O woods !,
ware, manufactured from West Virginia
.s - nj. Al 4 n