454 
ious forms only, the process of thinning removes desirable forms where 
they are wrongly placed in order that the trees left standing may have a 
better chance. There is scarcely a wood lot in the state in which manifold 
instances of the value which would result from careful thinning cannot be 
found. 
The existing wood lots can be still further maintained in good condi- 
tion by a more careful use of the material which is cut from them. There 
is a constant tendency to cut such trees as will work up most easily, what- 
ever may be the purpose for which they are to be used. Good straight 
white oak of sufficient size to have a high value for lumber is cut for fire 
wood, or rails, or posts, when a score of other species which have no lum- 
ber value might serve these purposes as well if not better. In the same 
way large numbers of vigorous and straight young saplings are cut down 
for hoops, for poles, or for other of the manifold uses ef the farm. Such 
wastefulness under present conditions is little short of criminal. The 
woods of high value should be allowed to come to their full size and devel- 
opment and the ordinary uses of the farm supplied from inferior timbers 
which are of less value and of less general usefulness. 
Great care should also be taken in working up the tops of the trees 
cut in such a way as to utilize them as far as possible. Not only does 
such utilization reduce the number of trees that are cut from the tract, 
but it at the same time protects it from damage by fire, since the dry tops 
of trees burn fiercely and are always a great peril in case of fire. An 
examination of an ordinary cutting whether for wood or lumber or clear- 
ing will show that scarcely 50% of the tree is utilized. 
It is very difficult to form any estimate of the amount of the present 
timber stand of the state. As contrasted with the past the average amount 
per acre has been very largely reduced. As examination of the sources of 
supply of wood manufacturing plants will show that a large proportion of 
the more yaluable timbers which they use in their work are secured from 
without the boundaries of the state. As an illustration, information de- 
rived from certain veneering companies of the State may be given. 
The Indiana Veneer and Lumber Company uses in its operation oak 
and principally white oak. Most of this is derived from the states be- 
tween Ohio and Missouri, but not above 25% of it is secured from In- 
diana. 
