OF THE TRADEWATER REGION. 29 
that although so large a per centage of the post oak timber is 
-decayed, a smaller proportion of it is actually dead than of 
either hickory or white oak—the two soundest timbers. Few 
would expect to find the white ash furnishing the largest per 
centage of dead timbers, but such is the fact. The compar- 
ative scarcity of the white ash conceals the relatively large 
proportion of it that is dying. The most important fact to be 
noticed in this table, however, is the large amount of white 
-oak and liriodendron that has been cut away within a few 
years. The loss of thirty per cent. of these two valuable 
-timbers within so short a time, taken in connection with the 
fact previously noticed, that other timbers are supplanting 
them as fast as they are destroyed, is alarming. I deem it 
sufficient merely to call attention to the present rate of loss 
-of the white oak and liriodendron. Any one can realize the 
calamity which would ensue were they lost altogether to the 
Kentucky forests. 
SUMMARY. 
The results of a careful study of the timbers in the counties 
under discussion may be summarized as follows: 
1. The valuable walnut has been, to a great extent, cut out, 
but some is still found along the heads of the streams that 
help to form the upper Tradewater river, as well as high up 
on most streams that flow into it. 
2. White oak is found all along the streams and branches 
of this part of Kentucky, as well as along the foot-hills and 
on low grounds generally. In many localities, even the hill- 
tops are covered with it; but, generally speaking, it does not 
extend high up the hill-sides. The best of that in the imme- 
diate vicinity of Tradewater river has been cut and floated 
out, and the present drain upon the timber is directly propor- 
tional to its convenience for transportation. That which is 
available without much expense will, at the present rate of 
demand, be exhausted in the not distant future. 
3. The ash is not very plenty, and is scattered generally 
through the forest on rich spots of ground. There is a 
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