219 



The amount of timber required varies with the method of mining 

 and with geologic conditions. The number of props used is, perhaps, 

 the most variable factor, and depends largely on the quality of the 

 rock covering which forms the roof of the coal seam. On the average, 

 in southern Illinois one prop is used for every ten tons of coal mined. 

 Taking all classes of timber used within the mine, about one-fifth of a 

 cubic foot is required per ton of coal produced, and the cost is about 

 one and one-half cents per ton. These averages are based on figures 

 obtained from Illinois mines chiefly in the southern part of the mining 

 region. Based on the total Illinois production of coal in 1909, the 

 annual consumption, excluding timber used in tipple construction and 

 for other purposes outside of the mine, would amount to nine million 

 eight hundred and thirty-three thousand cubic feet, with a value of 

 over $737,000. 



This large amount of timber is supplied from several sources. The 

 mines south of the latitude of St. Louis get most of their timber from 

 the farmers of their own localities, while those farther north, where 

 woodland is less abundant, must ship in the greater part of their supply 

 by rail. A great many props are cut in the southern bottomlands and 

 shipped north, and much mine timber is also brought in from Kentucky 

 and other states to the south. Very few mines draw any considerable 

 portion of their supply from their own woodlands. 



It would be of great advantage to mining companies that are 

 located in a section which includes land adapted to growing timber, 

 to own and manage enough woodland to supply the greater part of 

 their present and future needs. They will then be independent of the 

 general market, and need not fear a future shortage and high prices. 

 Some of the southern mines are now in a position to raise at least a 

 part of their supply. Approximately one thousand and seven hundred 

 acres under proper management should furnish enough timber con- 

 tinuously for an annual output of five hundred thousand tons, but 

 without systematic management a much greater acreage would be 

 required. If a company wishes to handle its woodland on a conserva- 

 tive basis, the first step is to secure a competent woods-foreman in 

 place of the contractors now usually depended upon to^ provide timber. 

 His efficiency should be rated not only upon his ability to get timber 

 to the mine cheaply, but also upon the condition in which the forest 

 is left. He should superintend all cuttings, and see that no timber is 

 wasted in tops or large limbs. During the danger seasons the protec- 

 tion of the tract from fire should be his chief duty. Silvicultural 

 methods of growing mine timbers will be discussed in the chapter on 

 forest management. 



