The Colfax chronicle., 1904-10-01
FARMER AND PLANTER.
TREE STUDIES IN THE SOUTH
The Bureau OF Forestry Investtsat-
fng the Possibilities of Impor-
tant Timber Trees.

tant Timber. Trees.
This field season the bureau of for
estry will complete certain studies Of
commercial trees in the
south. The species under investigation
are yellow poplar, white, red. black
and chestnut oak, chestnut, white pine
and hemlock. A great mass of data
has been collected as basis for tables
showing the proportion of these species
In various types of the Appalachian
forest, the volume of merchantable
timber, and the rate of growth of the
several species. This season trained
men of the bureau will pay special at
tention 10 the silvicultural character
istics and the commercial possibilities
OF these trees. They will also apply
the Information collected by the bu-
reau In the last two years, embodying
1t in practical suggestions for oonserv-
atiye forest management by timber
land owners of the south.
The aim of commercial tree study
is to secure the information necessary
for the successful application of for
estry where the tree forms, an impor-
tant part OF the forest crop. 1t in
wolves, among other things, knowl-
edge Of its methods of reproduction,
that 1t may continue to form a part,
and very likely a large part, of the
forest, instead of being replaced, when
numbered, by less available trees; of
fits rate of growth, on which depends
the calculation of future returns; of
the conditions of light, soil, moisture,
ETC., under which it fiourishes best; Of
its ability to compete with the various
other species with which 1t Is associ-
ated in the various types Of forest in
which II occurs, and what manage
ment can do to improve conditions Tor
it; of when it will pay to plan for It
as part of permanent timber produc-
ing forest; and of how it ought to be
numbered to secure the largest present
and future returns. In the light OF
the knowledge which such studies fur
nish, the forester is in a position to
make an intelligent working plan for
tracts in which the trees studied form,
or can be made to form. valuable
part of the stand of timber. In that
case numbering does not mean running
the forest, denuding the ground, and
leaving II barren or TO grow up In
worthless brush. but regular timber
output, while the forest constantly i'm
proves in character and the value OF
its growth.
Acting under its general cooperative
offer. the bureau of forestry Is now
preparing detailed working plans for
several tracts of timber belonging to
private owners In the states OF West
Virginia, Kentucky. Tennessee, and
North Carolina. Three Of the prob
lens of management presented may be
briefly indicated. In Kentucky the
owner of a 40,000-acre tract wishes to
retain a large part of the property In
forest for continuous production Of
railroad ties. In West Virginia 30,'
u0O-acre tract, the property of a min
ing company, must be made to main
tain permanent supply OF timbers
for use in the mines. In the same
state another working plan for 5.Oo'
acres of timberland aims to secure
steady income from the sale OF tht
timber grown.
The problems of management pre-
sented the bureau differ with changing
forest conditions and with the various
purposes of the owners. The bureau
field force examines the forest ant
counts and measures the trees to de
termine the stand of each species, th'
rate of growth, and both present ant
PROSPECTIVE yield in board feet. Hav
ing this information. and knowing tn
habits Of growth of the different spe
cics. the bureau is then in position u
Give definite advice as to the prope
course 10 pursue to attain by manage
mer,t any specified end.
This branch Of the bureaus work !
Of Importance not only to the owner
Of large timber tracts, but as well T
those whose holdings consist OF merel
20 or 100 acres. The purpose OF tn
bureau is not to benefit any particula
owner or set of owners, but to en-
courage and establish conservative for
estry everywhere for the general goo
of the nation. Individuals derive grss
bene<its from this work. but the knowl
edge and experience thus gained D
the bureau are for application I
whole sections and contribute TO tn
scientific knowledge and practice 9
forestry.
There are now 2s experts conciudin
The commercial tree studies under wa
IN. the four states above mentione'
while these agents of the bureau al
on the ground, owners OF the timber
lands or small woodlots in those state
should seixe the opportunity, SO col
yeniently at hand for obtaining
preliminary examination of their hol<
mas. This will be done by the burea
entirely without cost to- them, an
would certainly prove highly benefici'
"a their INTEREST," The bureau is gla
{o.rscsiye applications for such exam
ynaffona. u. 8. Dopartment Of Agricu
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