THE VALUE OF WASTE LAND FOR AFFORESTATION PURPOSES. 165 
be saved, other charges have to be incurred in connection with 
it, such as fencing, rates and taxes, etc., which increase the 
expense without increasing the revenue. The greater the eleva- 
tion, the greater the probability of these unproductive patches 
of ground occurring, until, at elevations over 1500 feet, the 
chances are that the area of really timber-producing ground is 
too small to be worth troubling about, supposing that no other 
unfavourable conditions exist. 
Although the final results of the careful investigation of this 
important question cannot be fully anticipated, the probabilities 
are that they will prove that timber-crops of spruce and pine can 
be grown at a profitable rate up to 1500 feet on suitable soils 
and aspects, and where the mean elevation of the ground to 
windward is sufficiently great to afford shelter from the full 
force of the wind. Where the elevation does not exceed 1200 
or 1500 feet, or on westerly aspects, the generally accepted 
fact that the rooo feet contour-line marks the limit of profitable 
tree-growth will probably be confirmed in a general way, 
although exceptions may occur here and there which may prove 
that limit too low in one place ortoo high in another. These 
anticipations, however, are based upon the assumption that the 
timber is grown in blocks with an average area of 1000 acres 
or so, and that a minimum price of ros. per load can be ob- 
tained for it in the wood. If the long-threatened timber famine 
is upon us, there is every prospect that such a price may be 
obtained for timber offered under proper conditions, and in 
sufficient quantities to allow of economies being effected in its 
handling and conversion. 
