PROFITABLY DISPOSING OF HOME-GROWN TIMBER. 147 



the balance in favour of early cutting would be L.12, 10s. per acre, 

 and the second crop 15 years in advance. These statements are worth 

 consideration, although contrary to ordinary practice. The general 

 opinion is that timber ought not to be cut until it is full grown ; but, 

 as a rule, wood merchants put little value on trees being matured or 

 ripe, their chief object is to get them of a usefid size and free from 

 disease. At present quick production and quick returns are the riding 

 axioms of all profitable enterprises, and there is no reason why the 

 same rule shoidd not be applied to the production and disposal of 

 timber. In fact, before the growth of timber occupies the position 

 which as a branch of rural economy it ought to do, it must be clearly 

 shown that the profits can be realised within a reasonable period. 

 This can only be attained by disposing of timber when of sufficient 

 size to suit the markets. Probably the highest revenue will also be 

 procured by the same method. There are exceptions to this proposi- 

 tion, as all slow-growing varieties that reach the maximum price when 

 they are of large size must be allowed to grow to maturity. 



The expenses connected with the disposal of timber depend upon 

 the mode of sale adopted. Occasionally these expenses are very 

 considerable, and materially reduce the value of the wood. This is 

 not so observable in small as in large lots, although, other things 

 being equal, the proportion is the same. To reduce these expenses 

 to the minimum, the exposer should arrange that as much as pos- 

 sible of the work of cutting and transport should be done by the 

 purchaser. In general, wood merchants can do this more cheaply 

 and advantageously than proprietors, as they have special plant for 

 the purpose. If done by the proprietors, it should be as much as 

 practicable by piece-work. Good roads are an important considera- 

 tion for a wood merchant ; and exposers of wood are often penny 

 Avise and pound foolish with regard to roads. In general, when a 

 lot of wood is to be sold, the roads ought to be put into good 

 repair previous to the day of sale. The amount of traffic expected 

 must in all cases decide as to the quality and make of a road. 

 Good roads are seldom made for the especial transit of wood, 

 although in many cases they add from 5 to 15 per cent, to the price 

 of the wood, — bad roads often detract as much. In large plantations 

 it will ultimately increase the revenue to have the mam roads good 

 and substantial. 



Where water power is available for floating, driving saw-mills, 

 or such work, every facility shoidd be given to have it applied either 

 by the exposer or purchaser. If by the latter, it is generally 



VOL. VII. TART II. I. 



