480 Forestry Quarterly 



tion, then it appears that the t nvn is not justified from this point 

 of view. 



From the point of view of the owner the justification for pay- 

 ing a tax on a valuation of over 50 per cent of actual value 

 depends upon the character and growing condition of the tim- 

 ber. He may sufifer a distinct loss even when the assessed value 

 is less than 50 per cent of the actual value if the growing condi- 

 tion is poor. On the other hand, he may profit by holding the 

 timber in many instances when the assessed value is as high 

 as 75 per cent of the actual value if the timber is in good growing 

 condition. It is inconceivable for an owner not to lose when 

 the assessed value exceeds 75 per cent. 



The most damaging effect of assessments is caused by in- 

 creasing them abruptly. If they are found to be very low, it is 

 only fair to raise them, but the increase should not exceed 10 per 

 cent a year. Even this may be too much. Certainly 50 or 100 up 

 to 600 per cent is justifiable. It is short-sighted policy, be- 

 cause the owner can turn the timber into money at a loss perhaps 

 to himself, but certainly to the town. 



Increases in assessment should be made slowly until they 

 reach perhaps 50 to 75 per cent of the real values on lots that 

 are growing rapidly and should go no higher. On lots that are 

 not growing rapidly assessments of over 50 per cent of the real 

 values should cause the owners to cut off immediately in order 

 to avoid loss. If the owner then prefers to sell his timber, the 

 town may feel that it has not been responsible. 



This paper shows in conclusion : 



(1) That 51.7 per cent of the woodlots under consideration 

 have been cut off since 1908. 



(2) That the average increase in assessed valuation of all the 

 lots is 153.2 per cent. 



(3) That the average of present assessed values compared *:o 

 actual values of all the lots is 72.7 per cent. 



(4) That an assessed valuation in excess of 50 per cent of the 

 actual values on poorly growing lots or in excess of 75 per cent 

 on good growing lots will generally cause a loss to the owner 

 unless he cuts the timber at once and will always cause a loss 

 to the town if he does cut. 



(5) That abrupt increases should not be made. They cause 

 the owner to cut his timber regardless of his financial advantage. 



