REPORT ON FORESTS. 57 



cove and Davis cove, ranging from 2 to 8 inches in diameter and 

 from 20 to 35 feet high. From the River Styx to Brooklyn, it 

 ranges from 6 to 14 inches in diameter, from 30 to 50 feet high, 

 and is entirely deciduous. Along the highway from Roseville 

 to Stanhope reservoir, across the mountain, the timber is still 

 better, while along the Musconetcong river, from Stanhope to 

 Old Andover, it is large, ranging from 10 to 24 inches in diam- 

 eter and 40 to 60 feet high, with quite a number of hemlocks. 

 There seems to be a general absence of coniferous trees near 

 Lake Hopatcong, but they are much more prevalent toward the 

 valley of Lubber's run. It was noted that, generally, through- 

 out this western portion of the Highlands, there was very little 

 evidence of bad effects from deforestation, even where the slopes 

 are cleared and cultivated they do not seem to be inclined to 

 wash as a rule. This is probably largely due to the nature of 

 the soil. It was also noted that, while many of the small build- 

 ings are allowed to go down, the land cleared is as well culti- 

 vated as it was 15 years ago, when the topographical survey was 

 made. There is practically no change in the location or extent 

 of the forested areas. There was some exception to this state of 

 things noted in the valley of Lubber's run, throughout which 

 the farm lands seemed to be not so well cultivated, and showed 

 signs of lapsing back into forest. Throughoiit the hill region 

 chestnut and oak predominate, but in places there is a great 

 deal of hickory. The better timber seems to sell at from $40 to 

 $60 per acre. 



Taking next the plateau east of Lake Hopatcong over to 

 Longwood valley, we find, between Hurdtown and Lower Long- 

 wood, timber generally from 6 to 12 inches in diameter and 25 

 to 40 feet high, with some portions smaller. Near the Dover 

 and Sparta turnpike the timber becomes somewhat better, rang- 

 ing from 6 to 1 8 inches in diameter and 35 to 50 feet in height. 

 On the end of the ridge east of Woodport, and near the lake, 

 there are several white pines. Following down the turnpike 

 toward Longwood valley, the growth becomes smaller again. 

 Along the western slope of Longwood valley, from Lower Long- 

 wood toward Berkshire valley, a fire has extended about 1^2 

 miles through young growth from 2 to 4 inches in diameter, all 

 of which is dead. Further southwest, the timber ranges from 4 



