48 THE WESTERN HEMLOCK. 



of a few small trees does not preclude the development of a seedling stand 

 also; therefore, the true second crop will consist of both and be greater 

 than either alone. It will not be equivalent to a combination of both, 

 for the ground and light demanded b} r the trees which are left standing 

 will be denied to the seedlings. The exact manner in which this rivalry 

 will be adjusted depends upon the number of trees left standing, the 

 condition of the ground for germination of seeds, and numerous other 

 factors which require a study of each case before even an approximate 

 estimate is possible. On the other hand, there is no doubt that if a 

 fair stand of Hemlock remains on cut-over land the yield given by tig. 5 

 will be increased by from 8,000 to 12,000 feet at the end of fifty years 

 and by an indefinite amount after that time. This is assuming a nearly 

 pure Hemlock reproduction. No attempt will be made to discuss Red 

 Fir seedling growth under such conditions, for it is not apt to appear 

 to any important degree unless there has been lire enough to destroy any 

 small Hemlock which survives logging. 



If it is desired to utilize small Hemlock in a future cutting, care 

 should be taken not to injure it unnecessarily during logging. Prom- 

 ising trees need not be cut for skids where poor ones will suffice, and 

 it should be borne in mind that scars caused by rigging, especially in 

 setting strap leads, are almost certain to ruin young trees. Many trees 

 ordinarily destroyed might be preserved at no additional expense by 

 careful swamping, yarding, and falling. 



BARK. 



Although thinner than that of the Eastern species, the bark of the 

 Western Hemlock is exceedingly rich in tannic acid. This has long 

 been known to the trade, and several experiments have been made with 

 a view to the establishment of extract works in the Northwest. A 

 plant was actually started near South Bend, Wash., in 1893, but, owing 

 to insufficient capital, to the general financial depression of the period, 

 and, it is said, to the opposition of Eastern bark interests, it was soon 

 shut down. The promoters claim, however, to have demonstrated the 

 feasibility of a similar enterprise under more favorable conditions. 

 In Oregon, where Hemlock is logged for paper pulp, the bark is util- 

 ized by local tanneries and brings from $8 to $12 a cord. The claim 

 is made that it produces a lighter leather than Eastern bark. 



So little use is made of the bark that it is difficult, in comparing it 

 with that of the Eastern Hemlock, to determine to what degree its 

 thinness is compensated for by its superior quality. The bark of the 

 Eastern tree averages about 10 per cent tannin. The few available 

 analyses of Washington Hemlock bark vary with locality and through 

 absence of system in selecting samples, but unite in allowing about. 16 

 per cent. Samples collected in Washington by the Division of Forestry 



