18 FOREST commissioner's REPORT. 



any other of our timbers. AYe have indeed considerable sup- 

 plies of it, for while owing to the nature of the tree it does 

 not reproduce freel>' in the forest, owing to the same facts in 

 its constitution it does spring up freely on burnt and aband- 

 oned lands. All through the settled parts of the State, but 

 more particularly in the southwestern portion, are groves of 

 pine, not of laroe size as a rule, but in the aooreirate of great 

 extent and capal)le if well managed of producino: great values. 

 These groves too as a rule arc in the hands of small owners 

 who could give to them with little or no cost the little care 

 that would be of advantage. 



In view of all these facts a study of pine seems particularly 

 opportune. Such a study should ascertain first the produc- 

 tion of the tree on ditferent soils and under different condi- 

 tions — work by the way already largely pei'formed by the 

 Forestry Division of the national government. It should deal 

 with the effects of pruning and thinning, studying the treat- 

 ment of trees for a lumber crop of greatest quantit}^ and best 

 quality. It should be on the watch to find out when, where 

 and b}" what methods planting will pay. 



Such a study would enable a man to go onto a piece of 

 pine-covered land and estimate its growth as closely as its 

 stand. It could be told to what age the trees should be al- 

 lowed to grow, and what policy in all respects should be pur- 

 sued towards them to get the most profit from the land. 



The financial interest concerned here is no trifliiio; one. 

 Lands that are now frequently waste would as a result of this 

 work be put to good use, and a valuable crop be reaped where 

 now are oanied but triflino; returns. Such a studv would be 

 of special value to the farmers of the state, to whom the 

 points of it would be largely conveyed in the process of their 

 gathering. To them a possible yearly income of several dol- 

 lars per acre is involved, to be derived too from lands not fit 

 for cultivation. 



Maine is fortunatel}^ situated as regards her forests. In 

 the dry western country the problems in the connection would 



