Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1907-12-26

different regions w. thin the range OF
the species. For example, the vel.
low poplar, or tulip-tree, has very
wide range, but study of its growth
and form would show very different
results in the north and in the
south.
In getting at the rate of growth OF
a species, the annual rings on the
stumps are counted and the distance
between each tenth ring is accurate
ly measured In other words, begin
ming at the outside of the stump, the
rings are counted inward along the
average radius, which is obtained by
actual measurement and indicated by
a pencil line. The layers of ten
rings are marked off along this line
and then the distance to each mark
from the center of the pith is meas
ured and tailed Additional data
as to the relative width Of sapwood
and heartwood, the width of the
bark, the height of the stump, and SC
forth, are obtained at the same time.
These figures are taken for a great
many stumps, in order to secure d
fair average.
The results show the growth OF
the average tree inside the bark at
the average stump height. In order
to reduce this to diameter growth
outside the bark at breastheight az
feet above the ground), the taper of
the average tree must be known,
This is found by measuring the di.
ameter o. a great many trees at ],
2, 3, 4 and 5 feet above the ground
aud averaging the results. The bark
width is already known, so that all
that is necessary is to add to it the
figure obtained for growth inside the
bark and subtract the loss through
taper between stumpheight and
breastheight
AS rule a number of seedlings
are measured to find out how long
they have taken to reach stump
he. ght. By adding this period to tae
age Of the average tree on the stump
; the measurement of the height
growth of the average tree is com
plete. This would not be the case
except for a popularity in tree
growth. A given point on the trunk
never moves upward With the grow
of the tree. Only the tip grows,
and nail driven into the trunk al
given height will hold the same
height always.
| The taper measurements also serve
as a guide for fixing the proper
height of stump in telling, so as 20
avoid waste but still get above Cne
stump-swelling peculiar to some spe-
cies.
Frequently, feIled trees are meas
ured, noting the diameter breasthigh,
the length or distance without
branches, the "clear" and actual
merchantable lengths, and the total
height of the tree. Where this is
done in conjunct' on with the stump
analyses, a table of age and height is
readily made from the table of age
and breasthigh diameter already ex-
planned.
In order to apply the tables de-
scribed, the stand on average acres
Of different types of land is deter
mined by means of sample plots, usu-
ally Of an acre each. on which the di-
ameter Of every tree is carefully
measured and tailed The future
yield on average acres is then fig
uTed out from the diameter growth
tables and tabuIated by decades.
Cutting over an area often marked
| " increases the growth Of the re-
naming trees, so that a separate
yield table is frequently made for
second growth after numbering. This
forms an excellent basis for an esti-
mate of the future stand on logged
areas.
Bes. des the more purely technical
matters of the life history of the tree:
the best methods of management and
reproduction; the distribution Of the
species; the soundness; the damage
| by fire, wind. insects and fungi: and
the general form and development OF
! the species, a study of the methods
/. of numbering is undertaken, especial.
| Iy as regards waste and damage to
young growth.
Finally, a market study is made
| Throughout the range Of the species.
Figures are obtained by measure
ment at some mill of the actual cut
and grade in board feet of the logs