THE TIMBER CENSUS IN THE NORTHEASTERN STATES ' 

 By a. B. Recknageiv 



Shortly before the Germans launched their drive on the vernal equi- 

 nox, which, as far as they were concerned, ended in a winter solstice 

 known as an "armistice," certain members of the War Committee of 

 the Society of American Foresters foregathered in the New York 

 office of R. S. Kellogg and planned another drive which, it is hoped, 

 will result far more favorably. 



The objective was nothing less than a timber census of the North- 

 eastern States, and, to be precise, the meeting was held on April 25, 

 1918. Those present represented the States of Maine and New York, 

 and a plan of campaign was developed for securing the desired data. 

 The chairman of the War Committee. Professor Toumey, of Yale, was 

 unable to attend, but shouldered the burdens of securing the needed 

 data for the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island. Connecticut, New 

 Hampshire. and Vermont by enlisting the co-operation of various organ- 

 izations in these States. 



The campaign developed rapidly and met with an unexpected degree 

 of support on the part of timberland owners. Forms for reporting 

 estimates were prepared and sent out in each State by some recognized 

 agency. In New York, Mr. C. R. Pettis. Superintendent of State For- 

 ests, and myself, under date of May 15, sent out the following letter, 

 which may be considered typical : 



"The undersigned request your careful attention to the enclosed form. There 

 is urgent need for reliable information about merchantable standing timber to 

 meet the inquiries of the Federal Government as to available sources of supply 

 for war industries. 



"The information obtained from you will be kept strictly confidential and no 

 one will see the figures who has any pecuniary interest involved. 



"Your co-operation in this undertaking is necessary for its success. Please give 

 the information immediately in order that statistics may he tabulated and com- 

 pleted in time to help the Government." 



What followed up to the ending of the war has been told by Pro- 

 fessor Toumey in the November issue of the Journal, so that there 

 is no need to repeat. 



* Read by I. C. Williams before the Society of American Foresters at its annual 

 meeting, at Baltimore. Md.. December 27, 1918. 



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