TIMBER ESTIMATING IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS 319 



the ground and cover. A fixed horizontal distance looks much longer 

 on a steep slope than on the level or a gentle slope, and in small brushy 

 stands than in large, tall, open timber. The estimator must continually 

 check his judgment of distance by tape or pacing, or considerable errors 

 are likely to result. Where there is not enough brush seriously to 

 obstruct vision, the two-chain strip is more accurate than the one-chain 

 in this respect, that the proportion of the trees close enough to the 

 outside lines to be in doubt is not as great in the case of the wider 

 strip. 



Check Estimates 



Check estimates are valuable not so much for checking the rela- 

 tive ability of the different estimators as to give them a chance to get 

 together and compare notes on specific problems. On any short strip 

 such as is practicable to run for check purposes, the best of estimators 

 are likely to vary enough in their judgment as to the best utilization of 

 a few doubtful specimens so that their results do not compare very 

 well, although such variations would probably be compensated in the 

 course of a normal day's work. Ordinarily, however, a strip but twenty 

 chains long can be so located as to cover enough different conditions 

 to give grounds for a valuable discussion among the estimators, thus 

 promoting uniform work and correcting individual eccentricities. To 

 get the greatest benefits, the individual tallies should be made first, and 

 then the check tally on the same strip, all of the estimators participating 

 in the latter. Careful check estimates are especially desirable in this 

 region on account of the latitude as to the utilization of the chief 

 species, which makes it difficult for a number of men, each working 

 by himself, to estimate consistently with each other. 



Records 



Tally sheets about 8 by IQi/^ inches are as small as can be used to 

 advantage in the southern Appalachians. It has been found desirable to 

 rule these so as to give forty-nine vertical columns, separated by heavy 

 lines into two groups of six columns, one of five columns, two of four 

 and eight of three, the larger groups coming first. One group of 

 columns is used for each species. The width of the rows and columns 

 is varied so as to give the most space in the places where experience has 

 shown that the largest number of tallies will be made. A small alumi- 

 num tally board, open at one end for inserting the sheets, is used by 

 the Forest Service. While this has not proved entirely satisfactory. 



