The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-03-01
GETTING OUT TIMBER.
Practical Suggestions to Farmers
And Others.

And Others.
This is the time of the year when
farmers and all woodland owners who
have mature timber to sell will think of
putting it on the market. In doing so
the owner is confronted with the ques-
ton as to whether he will get out the
timber himself or sell outright to tim
Der buyer. His lack of knowledge of
market condition, and cost of getting out
the material, with the labor problem
added, makes him hesitate about under
taking the task. On the other hand he
knows that if he allows the timber buyer
to cut the timber, the forest. when he is
through with it, will be in sad plight
indeed. When timber is sold in lump
to buyer he naturally will take all that
is of value and leave the worthless trees.
1t would seem that the proper course is
to allow the timber buyer, WHO'S SO much
better equipped than the farmer for such
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reasonable restrictions. Where only a.
few trees are to be removed on a small
area, it may not pay to secure the service
of an expert, but where extensive cutting
is contemplated the owner should have
the land examined by an expert to de.
termine what may be cut with impunity.
With the pronounced tendency of ad-
vance in the price of timber lands, and
timber products, it is reasonable to de-
mand of the operation or company that
is to cut the timber, compliance with
certain rational rules calculating to pro-
,ect the woodlands from misuse. Any
violation ofthese rules should be punished
by forfeiture of contract or double in
demnity against the bond of the operator.
An inspection should be agreed upon by
both the seller and buyer before cutting
begins, and his judgement should be
final in all disputed cases or in enforce
meut of rules.
Time to cut timber-Trees should be
cut in the fall or winter when the sap is
down" There are several reasons for
cutting at this time, among the most i'm
portant being the following -
THE timber seasons more readily and
is of better quality.
Pit is not attacked by borers and
other insects which may do much damage
to the wood. Wood cut in the summer
furnishes convenient breeding places for
injurious insects which often come out in
great numbers. doing great damage to
forest trees.
Gin hardwood forests the principal
means of renewal of the growth is by
sprouts from the stump. Trees cut in the
fall or winter, during the resting period
of the tree, not only produce the most
vigorous sprouts but the stump, which is
the parent of the sprout, will be more
durable and continne its vitality much
longer.
4-There is less danger of injuring the
young growth at this period when the
leaves are off and the young shoots have
hardened up for winter.
5-Labor is more easily secured in the
winter than at any other time.
Marking trees-Usually the best course
for the farmer to pursue is to sell his tim
Der for SO much per tree or so much
per thousand feet, but to have each tree
that is to he cut, plainly marked. The
marking should be done near the base
of the tree below where it is to be cut.
This is best doae by stamping blazed
surface with some distinctive symbol.
Great care should be exercised in select
ing the trees since, not only the present
crop but the future growth is largely de-
termined by this selection. Provision
should be made to protect the young
growth as much as possible in removing
the timber.