58 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE 



induce rapid height growth, but retard diameter growth. A 

 light thinning in such stands, therefore, will usually prove 

 beneficial to their development. In the pole stage the stands 

 are likely to become dense again, and if because of this con- 

 dition the trees are spindling, a thinning which will leave 

 plenty of space for the crown development of the healthiest 

 specimens of the desirable species, will be followed by 

 greatly accelerated volume growth. 



While this discussion of cutting methods has dealt es- 

 pecially with pine stands, the principles are equally ap- 

 plicable to hardwood stands. As was previously stated, 

 however, each type requires individual methods of handling 

 in order to secure the best results, and under the regional 

 descriptions the individual recommendations for manage- 

 ment were briefly given. 



Clauses Suggested for Logging Contracts. — A great deal 

 of logging in Mississippi is done by contractors. Naturally, 

 they desire to clear as much money on a piece of work as 

 possible, and they cut high stumps and leave a great deal 

 of merchantable material in large tops. A binding con ract 

 between the timber owner and the logger is very important 

 as a means of protection to the owner in securing not only 

 the largest immediate profit, but also the best forest con- 

 ditions practicable after logging. The following clauses 

 are suggested for inclusion, so far as they apply in each 

 case, in such contracts: 



1 . The location of the cutting area should be definitely 

 described by relation to some well-known landmark, such 

 as a stream, and by legal subdivisions. 



2. No timber will be removed until it has been 

 scaled, measured, or counted by the owner or one of his 

 employees 



3. All merchantable timber used in buildings, skid- 

 ways, bridges, construction of roads, or other improve- 

 ments will be paid for at the contract price. 



4. All cutting will be done with a saw when possible. 



5. No unnecessary damage will be done to young 

 growth or to trees left standing, and no trees will be left 

 lodged in the process of felling. 



