70 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



Whether the estimate is to be based 

 on a 2, 4 or 8 times run through a 40 is 

 optional with the owner or prospective 

 buyer. A 2 times run through a 40 is 

 made at intervals of two tallies or 6G0 

 feet, counting trees on either side of 

 the tally line for a distance of 31 J^ 

 steps or 5 rods and multiplying the 

 amount by 4 for the total. A 4 times 

 run is made at intervals of one tally 

 or 330 feet, doubling the amount for 

 the total. 



In an 8 times run tally stakes are set 

 by a survey crew which keeps ahead of 

 the estimators. These stakes are set 

 along the section line and are used to 

 keep the compassman in alignment. 

 The boundary of the 40 (or l/K) 

 square-mile lines) can be carried by 

 the estimator and the compassman can 

 carry the lines, and a survey crew is 

 not used except to run the section lines 

 where there is an indistinct survey. 



In making a 1, 2 or 4 times run, 

 whether the trees are counted in strips 

 or circles, there is no fundamental dif- 

 ference in the basis of the estimate. 

 The difference lies in using the indi- 

 vidual multiple for the number of 

 trees in contrast to estimating the in- 

 dividual trees and adding for the total. 



The following diagram is based on 

 an 8 times run through a 40. Estimates 

 are run on the fractional tally lines. 



4th tally or 1/16 line 



3^ tally line 



3% tally line 

 3d tally line 

 2}i tally line 



2%. tally line 

 2d tally line 

 l}i tally line 



1^ tally line 



1st tally line 



^ tally line 



% tally line 



Boundary line of 40. 



In making a detailed estimate of a 

 large tract, if a number of crews are 

 employed, some estimating firms have a 

 head estimator check up the work of 

 the other estimators. In such instances 



it is well to have .a well perfected 

 system under which all the crews can 

 work in order to produce similarity of 

 data and reports. The head estimator 

 is held responsible for the work of all 

 the estimators. As the work is done 

 under one system, it is much easier to 

 prevent errors or adjust any dispute 

 that may arise. 



The foregoing shows that timber es- 

 timating has developed from a loose 

 individual idea to a closely detailed 

 system. None of the methods evolved 

 are obsolete or untrustworthy, as the 

 method to be used depends upon the 

 circumstances and object of the cruise, 

 as well as upon the individual making 

 the estimate. A buyer thinking of 

 entering a certain belt of timber and 

 wishing to obtain general information 

 as to the kind and character of the 

 timber does not care to spend much 

 money, and so sends an estimator on 

 a preliminary cruise for this informa- 

 tion. The estimator may work alone 

 by simply running along section lines 

 and getting a general idea, or he may 

 have a compassman. If his report is 

 satisfactory a more detailed examina- 

 tion is made. Where stumpage is 

 $3.00 and $4.00 or higher, the buyer 

 will probably want a detailed tree 

 count. 



Bonding houses now require a care- 

 ful, detailed cruise by well-known esti- 

 mators in order to offer assurance to 

 their clients as to the exact amount of 

 timber under mortgage. 



In connection with the estimating, a 

 complete contour map should be made, 

 based on barometer readings, which 

 will show creeks, roads, trails, etc. It 

 will also show tthe outlet of the timber 

 and the best location for possible rail- 

 roads and camps. 



The report form on which the final 

 estimate is made is largely a matter of 

 choice. It varies from the simple form 

 with the section divided into 40's — the 

 amount in board feet found on each 40 

 to be inserted — to the elaborate form 

 giving the number of trees and their 

 amount, the average length, size and 

 amount per tree, and the different per- 

 centage of grades found on each 40. 

 These reports are worked up from the 



