The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-11-11

ing by their efforts, but they are in
the minority. If all the farm wood
lands could be combined they would
form one vast forest of 191, 100000
acres. This is approximately two
hfths Of the entire forest area of the
country. East of the Mississippi the
farm woodlands cover 45 per cent Of
all the forests. The farmers have
scarcely begun to Systematically de-
velOp and use these timbered lands,
although they consume 46 per cent of
all the wood consumed in this cOun-
try. Agriculture is the greatest Of our
wood-using industries.
Opportunity Overlooked.
Taken as a whole it is an immense
item that agricultural interests are
overlooking, say officials of the forest
service. United States Department of
Agriculture, who have made a study
Of the cOuntry's forest resources.
The annual growth of timber pos
sible on farm woOdlots has been
estimated at $500. 100000 board feet
OF material suitable for lumber, slaves,
boxes, ETC., and 100000 cords of
cared for the farm woodlands could
produce more than the entire quantity
Of fuel now consumed by the farmers
and 81 per cent of the lumber boxes,
barrels, ETC., now used by them.
Too often the size Of the farm wood
lot. the material 1t contains, and it's
value to the farm are left entirely to
chance. The farmers problem is to
determine what parts of his land are
suited to wood rather than other crops
and to develop these portions for wood
crops just as he would develop land
for other crops. The farmer in many
Of the lake states and the South is in
clined to let his woodland be merely
the unimprOved land in his holdings.
Its soil may or may not be inferior for
field crops. In the Central States many
woodlands occupy undrained land
which comprises some of the best soil
IN the region. In the Eastern States,
particularly in New England, farm
woodlands are being extended through
reversion Of hill pastures and the like
to forests. In this latter region, and
to a more limited extent in the other
regions, there is an opportunity to
grow commercial crops OF timber In
relatively short periods for such prod
ucts as pulp wood, box lumber, tele-
phone poles and railway ties.
To Market Wood Products.
In many communities a cooperative
marketing organization Of the farmers
Is suggested by the United States De
partment of Agriculture as prae-
ticaI means OF selling woodland
products. In other instances indi-
viduaI sales prove more satisfac-
tory. The farmer who is inter
ested In finding q market for this
crop should ascertain what prices the
mills and wood working industries In
his region will offer. This applies to
sales requiring shipments as well as
to local sales. 1t is advisable also to
inquire from neighbors who have re-
Gently disposed of their timber, so as
to profit by their experiences. Local
timber demands should not be over
looked, as often local markets will pay
better prices than outside markets be-
cause of the saving in transportation
charges.
If the farmer has more than small
amount Of wood products to sell it will
he well for him to advertise in medi-
ums that will secure outside eOmpeti-
ton for his material. Where possible
bids should be secured both by lump