22 IMPROVEMENT THINNINGS IN 



3. Hardwood brush is not as dangerous as softwood brush, and 

 where left it should be scattered. Brush is sometimes an aid to 

 natural reproduction, but whether it is burned or not is usually a 

 financial consideration with the owner. Except in the above-named 

 cases we do not advise its being burned when the expense would be 

 a burden. 



4. Brush should be burned in the winter or spring or on rainy 

 days. 



5. Except where it is very thick it is usually cheaper and better 

 to pile the brush first and burn afterwards than to pile and burn at 

 the same time. 



The cost of brush disposal will be discussed later. 



USES AND MARKETS FOR WOOD. 



The products of these thinnings are depended on to meet com- 

 pletely or in a large measure the costs of the work. Therefore 

 it is essential that the wood cut should be utilized in the best pos- 

 sible manner and sold to the best advantage. An enumeration of 

 the various products obtainable and a discussion of their possibili- 

 ties for profit follow : 



1. Cord Wood. Cord wood is usually the chief product of the 

 thinnings. It is universally cut into 4-foot lengths in the woods 

 and is used for fuel. It might be graded into two or possibly three 

 grades, and also its value varies somewhat with species. The best 

 grade is cleft wood. It is usual to split any stick over 5 inches in 

 diameter. Wood below that size is called round, or, if very small 

 (2 to 3 inches), trash wood. A small percentage usually not 

 over 10 per cent. of round or trash wood may be included with 

 cleft wood and sold as such. If there is a larger percentage than 

 that of round wood it is a poorer grade and as high a price cannot 

 be obtained. Trash wood is very difficult of sale, and most dealers 

 refuse to buy any, but a certain amount can be sold locally in many 

 places at a low price. Oak wood almost all over the State is con- 

 sidered the best kind, although in some places maple is more in 

 demand. Birch is usually of less value, although near cities for 

 fireplace use good cleft birch will often obtain a better price than 

 oak. Birch, not split, will rot if left out in the open over summer. 

 Oak needs a year of seasoning before sale in most places. 



In all cities of the State there is a good although limited demand 

 for cord wood. The rural districts consume more proportionally 

 than the cities. There are a number of dealers constantly in the 



