2 Prolonging the Cut of Southern Pine 



degree of accuracy and have in most instances proved of con- 

 siderable value to the company. 



The tract studied in the spring of 1912 at Crossett, Arkansas, 

 is exceptionally well adapted to forest growth, and illustrates in 

 a striking manner the possibility which presents itself to lumber- 

 men throughout the South of modifying their methods of logging 

 so as to get a second cut. During the six years of investigation 

 in different southern states, the School has ascertained that prob- 

 ably over wide areas of longleaf and shortleaf pine the stand 

 should be only partially removed in the first operation, leaving a 

 fairly large percentage for a second cut in from fifteen to twenty 

 years. If properly carried out this policy will secure a satis- 

 factory rate of interest on the value of the timber left standing. 

 This will be attained by rapid growth in volume and advance in 

 stumpage values. Apparently it does not involve great expense 

 at the present time. 



PRESENT POLICY IN THE SOUTH 



The present policy of most holders of stumpage in the South 

 is clear cutting, which is followed by accidental or intentional 

 broadcast burning of the slash, and sale of the land to settlers 

 or land companies ; and this is attempted in spite of the fact that 

 there is at present no urgent demand for much of this pine land 

 and that these timber companies still have ten to thirty years' 

 cut in sight. 



A few farsighted firms have attempted in places to limit the 

 present cut to a certain diameter, reserving the small trees for 

 a future crop. This is a move in the right direction, yet analysis 

 shows that adherence to such a rigid diameter limit does not 

 leave the most vigorous trees. It is not good business deliberately 

 to leave an investment in the woods and secure only 3 per cent 

 increase when, with the proper supervision, 6 or 7 per cent might be 

 obtained on the same capital, yet that is just what is being done 

 by most operators who are planning on a second cut. The others 

 are neglecting an opportunity to prolong their business, lessen 

 their annual depreciation charges, and secure future increase in 

 stumpage values. 



Clear cutting may be justified by the relative inaccessibility of 

 the tract, making it unprofitable to return for a small second 

 cut. Again, the land may be needed at once for agriculture, 

 or the stumpage may be purchased without the land and require 

 cutting clear. In most instances, however, this practice is due to 

 lack of confidence in the methods demanded and absence of authori- 



