CHAPTER IV 

 FOREST LABOR 



The successful conduct of forest operations depends in a large 

 measure on the character, supply and efficiency of labor, factors 

 which are influenced by the economic conditions of the country. 

 In prosperous times work is abundant and capable men are not 

 attracted by the average wage paid for forest work. This means 

 a restless woods force, a portion of which constantly shifts from 

 camp to camp. Business depression is quickly felt in the lumber 

 industry because in hard times railroad companies and other 

 large consumers of forest products reduce their purchases of 

 lumber, crossties and other material. The dull market prompts 

 the lumberman to cut down expenses and one of the first steps 

 taken is to reduce the labor charge since this is one of the chief 

 items in the cost of lumber production. 



The agricultural interests of different regions may also have 

 a decided influence on labor supply during certain seasons. 

 This is illustrated in the cypress region of Louisiana, where 

 sugar production is an important industry and where Creoles and 

 negroes prefer to work in the fields and sugar mills during the 

 cane-harvesting season. 



LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT 



The length of time forest laborers are required each year is 

 governed by the character of the operation. In the northeastern 

 part of the United States, in some parts of the Lake States and 

 in the Inland Empire there is a demand for the maximum number 

 of laborers only from eight to nine months of the year; in the 

 southern pine, cypress and Pacific Coast forests, where rail- 

 roading replaces sled haul and water transport, loggers operate 

 the year round. 



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