213 



quite variable, average figures such as are given here are of very 

 general application and not suitable for valuing any particular tract. 

 White oak is the most expensive wood that is cut to any large 

 extent, and varies in stumpage value from $6 to $30 per thousand, 

 according to grade. The average quality that is standing now is 

 worth about $10. Black oak runs from $3 to $6 a thousand, with 

 red oak, as a rule, somewhat higher, although at times it is classed 

 with the black. Pin oak gives a low grade of lumber, and averages 

 about $4 a thousand in stumpage value, but others of the so-called 

 water oaks, especially swamp Spanish and Texan, produce a better 

 grade, occasionally reaching $15. Elm, hackberry, cottonwood, red 

 gum, maple, and sycamore are generally classed together as "soft- 

 woods" and sold for both lumber and staves, at prices ranging from 

 $1 to $5 a thousand, but averaging about $2. Hickory is worth in 

 the neighborhood of $6 a thousand, but good virgin trees will bring 

 more. Ash of fair quality brings about $7.50 a thousand, but what 

 remains of this species is likely to be of inferior quality. In the 

 southern part of the state prices increase toward the north, where 

 markets improve and where timber grows scarcer, but individual locali- 

 ties sometimes show exceptions to the rule, due to special conditions. 

 In northern Illinois, with the exception of districts along the largest 

 rivers, timber is seldom sold on a stumpage basis, but the actual values 

 are somewhat higher, owing to proximity to big markets. 



LUMBER MILLS 



Most of the mills which cut rough lumber are of small capacity 

 and run intermittently. They are usually of the portable type, with a 

 traction engine for motive power. This arrangement is very econom- 

 ical, as the engine can be used for other purposes, such as threshing, 

 when the mill is idle. The more permanent small mills which use 

 either water or steam power, and both in some cases, very often are 

 run as adjuncts to grist-mills. Practically all of these mills do a much 

 varied business. They saw logs for other parties at a rate of $4 to $5 

 per thousand, or they buy the timber, on the stump or in the log, 

 selling the rough lumber locally and shipping the best grades. Small- 

 mill owners seldom buy stumpage at a stated price per thousand, but 

 usually purchase the timber by lot, giving a lump sum for all the 

 timber or all of certain species on a given area. Since the portable- 

 mill owners have the advantage of being able to set up on the area 

 to be cut, and thus save a great deal in the expense of hauling logs 

 to the mill, they do a much more general business than the small 

 permanent mills, which confine themselves largely to custom sawing. 



