G60 JOURNAL 01" FORESTRY 



value of land when used for timber production, based on stumpage 

 prices then prevailing, and summarizing the general market prices of 

 stumpage, logs and lumber. 



The above law would necessarily be changed in wording to suit legal 

 phraseology if submitted to the legislature, but would not be changed 

 in principle. Sections 1 and 2 above might be combined and sim- 

 plified, thus : 



Section 1. — All soils capable of timber production and not used 

 for a higher purpose shall be appraised according to their value to 

 produce timber, and the listers in fixing quadrennial appraisals of 

 timberlands shall in addition consider the value of mature stands of 

 timber only. 



In conclusion, the principle underlying such a law is understandable, 

 the law itself is capable of administration, and is just. Ample revenue 

 will be secured, the forest can pay the tax if the land is kept pro- 

 ductive, and above all else, two blessed truths stand out clearly : First, 

 there has been no attempt to coerce a landowner into practicing for- 

 estry; second, the regular tax machinery of the State and town needs 

 no outside assistance to levy and collect the tax. 



