STATE OWNERSHIP OF FOREST EANDS 971 



secure conformity with theoretical methods colored with a semblance 

 of art or patriotism. Trees which at present promise apparently slight 

 returns frequently cost little to hold and much to get rid of, and the 

 general upward trend in the values of forest products usually renders 

 holding such trees the wisest policy, provided, of course, that they have 

 sufficient vigor and soundness to promise values at the next cutting 

 equal at least to present values with interest. 



Furthermore, the relative high cost of intensive thinnings must be 

 kept in mind. This cost is high, partly on account of the expense in 

 time and possibly in special technical services necessary to determine 

 and indicate on the ground which trees are to be cut, partly on account 

 of the care required in logging, and partly on account of the relatively 

 smaller quantity of timber handled. Operations conducted on State- 

 owned lands necessitate overhead charges for supervision which may 

 be justified from the point of view of scientific experiment, but would 

 be money wasted in ordinary private operations. 



Again, unless the silvicultural operations which can be conducted on 

 demonstration areas are sufficiently striking, it is frequently to be 

 doubted whether the ordinary owner will be able to detect the nature 

 of the operation. 



The same funds which are spent in land purchase and administration 

 for demonstration purposes can frequently be made far more effective 

 by scientific studies as to growth, timber values, markets, etc., and by 

 co-operation with the private owner for the purpose of enabling him 

 to find the right markets at the right time for the various kinds of 

 timber in his woodlot. Even within small States market conditions 

 vary in an astonishing way, and the active accomplishments of the 

 State officials in keeping posted and in advising owners and operators 

 is far more comprehensive and valuable to them than are demonstra- 

 tions, practical imitation of which is dependent not upon an under- 

 standing of the silvicultural operations exemplified, but upon market 

 conditions. 



The opportunity for investigation in forestry matters in America is 

 enormous and affords a splendid field for constructive work. This 

 field comprises not only studies in the woods, as of growth and timber 

 supplies, but studies of those artificial conditions, such as markets and 

 taxation, which have important influence upon the business of timber 

 production. Every possibility of improper business methods, whether 

 careless merely or fraudulent, increases the necessity for handling 

 property in a speculative, short-sighted way, and is a deterrent to con- 

 servative management. The State forestry office should have sufficient 



