The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-09-02


Nut Trees for Timber.
To the average reader this subject
may seem of small Importance, or one
that might be taken up for considera-
tion by some succeeding generation.
But to the thoughtful student Of
economic affairs it presents an impor-
tant subject, and one worthy OF early
and careful attention.
To the writer it seems that the time
may not be very far distant when the
penalty must be paid for the early de-
vastation of natures provision Of
abundant and most valuable walnut
and chestnut forests. This penalty will
be paid in the high prices that lumber
will command, and the necessity which
will substitute metals for wood IN
many of its present uses.
Much is now being accomplished IN
educating the public to the Importance
of timber preservation and the rehabi-
litating of our forests, but something
more seems necessary, as the preserva-
tion Of what remains of our native
forests only postpones the day of reck-
oning.
The especial value of hickory, chest
nut and walnut lumber is our occasion
for urging the consideration Of the
planting of nut trees for their timber
value, which will incidentally
produce valuable by.product
in the nuts growh, thus making such
plantation a valuable property years
before it's maturity for lumber. This
harvesting of annual crops also obvi-
ates to great extent the chief impedi-
ment in the way of planting for lum-
Der only b. the longtime Investment.
By this plan the man who plants and
cares for his nut grove is rewarded
during his own day by the annual
crops, and his children have yalu-
able heritage in the lumber.
The present is none too soon to be-
gin planting for such purposes. The
Consumption of lumber of all kinds is
increasing mach more rapidly than in
proportion to the increase of popula-
ton. In fifty years the United States
may have double its present popula-
tion, and who can predict what the
demand for black walnut, chestnut or
hickory lumber may be by that time?
One thing is certain; if consumption
continues as at present there will be
no lumber of these kinds On the market
unless the trees are planted by this
generation.
Another feature of the situation is
that the present inceasing demand for
lumber of all kinds finds diminishing
supply of these most valuable woods,
with corresponding increase in praces
while there is ample reason to suppose
that these prices will continue to IN
crease until they become prohibitive.
Then, the planting Of large areas OF
timber for the beneficial effect. upon
climatic conditions is sure to become
of increasing Importance as the years
90 by and the tree planter becomes an
important factor in the public good.
In the hurry and hustle of today's
enterprises the American people have
but little thought for the future and
its needs. We want quick returns, and
have no time to investigate or inclina-
tion to put money in longtime invest
ments, and it is only to limited class
that this article will appeal forcibly.
For those engaged in or those who
contemplate nut-growing for profit we
have a strong, profitable and beneficial
proposition, which is worthy of their
careful consideration, wise planning
and systematic execution not only in
this Southern section, but over all the
country, as there is hardly any locality
that cannot grow some variety of mats
in which the lumber value of trees
promises a sure return from lumber
alone.
Besides this, there are great tracts
of land in many sections which are not
| we'll adapted to ordinary agricultural
operations which are peculiarly suited
| for growing timber. Our mountain
ranges are the natural home of the
chestnut. Bottom lands which over
flow too frequently for farming are Of
ten we'll adapted for the rapid growth
of hickory and walnut so that the
waste places seem to be intended for
such benefcent uses as growing timber
and food.
With such an opportunity to plant
now with every prospect of ultimate
direct and inc irect profit and assur.
ance of large dividends from such
trees during the waiting period for a
| lumber harvest, the subject seems
worthy of such agitation as may be
necessary to call public attention to
the situation, to urge its careful study
and encourage in all practical ways the
early and rapid planting of nut trees
for the production of timber in the
many suitable localities which are now
unproductive.- J. F. Wilson in
the Nut-Grower.