FOREST PLANTING IN EASTERN NEBRASKA. 121 



The contents in fence posts were obtained by ocular estimates in the 

 field. Experience proves this method to be accurate, especially where 

 the trees 'mn small in diameter, as in the great majority of the planta- 

 tions measured. For example, in catalpa plantation No. 4 (p. 15) the 

 survey gave $163 worth of first and second class posts, and the owner 

 cut and sold $167 worth per acre from four acres a few months later. 

 In all cases a post was reckoned as 7 feet in length. A second-class post 

 varies from 3 to 3.9 inches and first-class from 4 to 5.9 inches in diame- 

 ter at the small end. A log 6 to 7.9 inches in diameter at the small end 

 was considered equal to two first-class posts, 8 to 9.9 inches as three 

 first-class, and from 10 to 12 inches as four first-class posts. It will be 

 seen that these dimensions are vei-y liberal. 



To calculate the volume in board feet of Cottonwood and black wal- 

 nut, the saw-log length of each tree was determined with a top diameter 

 limit of 6 inches. The standard length of logs in Nebraska are 12, 14, 

 and 16 feet, with a few 10 and 18 feet, the preferences being in the 

 order named. With these standards as a guide, the trees were divided 

 into saw logs, according to the demands of the trade. From taper meas- 

 urements curves were drawn, and from these a model tree was con- 

 structed by which it was possible to know the diameter of any tree at 

 any height and the diameter of any log at the small end outside the 

 bark. From another set of curves the thickness of the bark of any tree 

 at any height could be determined; therefore the diameter of any log 

 inside the bark. The logs were then scaled by the Doyle rule. 



As a guide in future planting, calculations were made on the cost 

 of and returns from plantations of Cottonwood, catalpa, green ash, honey 

 locust, Osage orange, black walnut, and white willow. The figures in 

 each case were based upon a typical example. 



All items of expense were carried with 5 per cent compound interest 

 from the year the plantation was established. Thus the costs given are 

 a trifle higher than the actual, since some of the expenses, such as those 

 for cultivating, except for the first year, and pruning, were not incurred 

 at that time. However, it has not been possible to obtain data to show 

 just when these expenses were incurred, so it is assumed that all were 

 paid out the first year. The returns in each case are reduced to a net 

 annual income with 5 per cent compound interest. In reckoning the 

 returns for catalpa, Osage orange, black walnut, honey locust, and green 

 ash, it is assumed that the stakes, or third-class posts, and fuel wood 

 which can be obtained — products which are disregarded in the calcula- 

 tions — will pay the cost of harvesting the whole crop. Experience proves 

 that they will do this. 



