160 FARM FORESTRY 



If a lumberman purchases the timber and carries on the 

 logging operation he will probably give little thought to the 

 future of the woodlot. His efforts will be directed toward 

 removing the trees and young timber at the least possible ex- 

 pense. Having purchased the entire tract he will cut out every- 

 thing that will yield him a profit. Many woodlots never re- 

 cover from the destructive methods often practiced by lumber 

 operators. 



Lumbering, however, is a business in itself and requires 

 expensive machinery, skill and efficiency in operating, and 

 ability to dispose of the products. With most woodlot owners 

 it will usually be best to dispose of the timber on the stump 

 to a practical lumberman, making such stipulations in the con- 

 tract as are necessary to protect the future of the woodlot. 



COST OF HARVESTING PRODUCTS FROM THE WOODLOT 



No definite figures can be given as to the cost of harvest- 

 ing the products from the woodlot. There are many factors 

 that will affect the cost of the different parts of an operation. 

 For example, the cost of cutting down trees will vary with 

 the species of tree. It takes a longer time to cut down and 

 saw up an oak tree than a pine tree, because of its harder 

 wood. It will cost more to get logs and other products from 

 a woodlot that is on a steep slope or that is rocky or covered 

 with brush than from a woodlot on level land, clean and open. 

 The distance necessary to haul the products to the mill or 

 market will vary with different woodlots. The skill of the 

 workmen in the woods, the cost of labor, the climate and 

 the size of the operation are other factors that must be con- 

 sidered. 



The following data, taken from the second Report of the 

 State Forester of Kentucky, will give some idea of the cost 

 of different operations in the woods : 



