CHAPTER XVI 



MARKETING THE TIMBER AND THE PRODUCTS OF 



THE WOODLOT 



THERE are several methods of selling the trees standing 

 in the woodlot, or the stumpage, as it is called. The common 

 method is to sell the timber by the boundary for "a lump sum" 

 or "by the lot" or "on the stump." A sawmill man goes 

 through the woodlot usually without the owner being aware 

 of the fact, and estimates the timber. He records every saw- 

 log, pole, tie, post or other product that he can cut from it. 

 He figures carefully and closely just what profit can be made 

 from the woodlot. He then offers the owner a certain sum 

 for the entire tract. Knowing nothing as to the quantity of 

 material in his woodlot and less about the value of the dif- 

 ferent kinds of woods or their use for special purposes, the 

 offer may seem large to the owner and he accepts it. Such 

 a sale is always in the interest of the purchaser. Lumbermen 

 figure on at least a 25 per cent leeway. There is rarely any 

 competitive bidding for the timber. The purchaser makes his 

 own bargain. 



A second method is to sell the stumpage according to an 

 estimate made by some competent forester or practical woods- 

 man who is acceptable to both buyer and seller. This is a 

 method in common use. Where the estimator is reliable and 

 has good judgment in regard to allowing for defects and rot 

 in trees, and is a careful and skillful worker, this method is 

 a fairly satisfactory one. It gives the least trouble to the 

 woodlot owner. Where restrictions are made as to the kinds 

 and sizes of trees to be cut, some supervision will be neces- 



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