n_\ DIFFERENT MODES OF 



VIII. On Different Modes of Profitably Disposing of Home- 

 Grown Timber. I5y David Tait, Forester, Owston Park, 

 Doncaster. 



This subject is one Avell worthy of the attention of landed 

 proprietors and their foresters. As timber is a crop which occupies 

 the ground about sixty years on an average, it is very fitting that 

 we should consider the different methods in use for disposing of it, 

 and choose the one which will bring in the largest return, as the 

 question of woodlands being profitable may be greatly affected by 

 the disposing of the timber crop. 



In considering this subject, I have stated the various methods of 

 disposing of timber with which I am acquainted, and have given 

 my opinion on their respective merits, viz. :- 



1st, Selling standing timber. 



2d, Selling fallen timber by auction. 



3'?, Do. do. by tender. 



■Wi, Do. do. privately. 



5th, Do. do. in a manufactured state. 



The selling of growing timber, which is very general through- 

 out the country, is a common mode of disposal ; but is, I 

 believe, more common in England than in Scotland. Its advan- 

 tages may be described as follows : — First, if the bidding at the 

 sale does not reach the reserved valuation, the timber can be left 

 standing, and if in a healthy condition will improve in value ; 

 Secondly, the sale can be managed at much less expense than if the 

 timber is cut down previous to being sold. "When sold in this way 

 the common plan is to go through and number each tree, and put a 

 valuation on it, — all the propwood or small poles being simply 

 marked and counted, and an average taken of what they contain. 

 A reserve price is then made out ; and if the intending purchasers 

 do not bid up to that figure, there is no sale till some future time. 

 After the timber is sold, the purchaser sends men into the wood 

 and has the timber cut down and taken off the ground at his own 

 expense, the conditions of sale generally binding him to have it 

 removed before a certain date, otherwise it becomes forfeited to the 

 vendor. Some "conditions" are extremely binding in this respect, 

 others are quite the reverse, and ver} r much to be condemned. For 

 instance, a sale came under my notice a few weeks ago (in Dec. 

 1871), the time fixed for having the timber off being March 1873. 



