R. 



ESEARCH BRANCH 



in 



A study of wood density variation in black spruce was started in 1964. The 

 aim was to obtain a direct measure of density variation within the tree stem; to 

 assess the effects on total stem density of the amount of compression wood and 

 branch wood and to determine micro-sampling techniques applicable to standing 

 trees which will assess total stem wood density. 



A random sample of 20 trees was selected in Challies Township, Cochrane 

 istrict. Fourteen trees were subdivided into one-inch thick discs, and six trees 

 were sawn into boards. The specific gravity of samples was determined and related 

 to true averages. Preliminary analysis indicate a highly significant correlation be- 

 tween the average specific gravity for the whole bole. The determination of sub- 

 sample locations (perhaps increment core samples), within the basal 10% section 

 of the bole will enable field assessment of the natural variations found for this 

 property. Subsequent measurements will determine the variation in compression 

 wood within the trees and provide factors by which the density of samples can be 

 modified to provide a relationship with the yield of pulp. 



Report on Blister Rust Investigations 



In 1964, blister rust work was carried out in Lindsay, Fort Frances, Sioux 

 Lookout and Kenora Districts. 



In Lindsay, one periodic examination (the fourth) under the reconnaissance 

 programme there, was made at Ludgate Falls. On the University of Toronto Forest 

 at Dorset, blister rust control areas were examined for Ribes occurrence and for 

 infection of white pine regeneration. Recommendations were made regarding in- 

 struction in blister rust control at the Forest Ranger School. The last remaining live 

 trees in the graft-infection experiment were examined. 



In the western Districts further reconnaissance surveys of infection of white 

 pine and Ribes determined and elucidated disease conditions at the northern and 

 western limits of distribution of pine. The occurrence of Ribes in relation to pedolo- 

 gical features was studied. In selected areas white pine stocking, and infection in 

 timber, natural regeneration and plantings, was investigated. Certain small areas 

 in Fort Frances and Kenora were selected as being suitable for initial control 

 >rojects. 



Written statements were distributed to the Districts concerned. 



Forestry Economics Unit 



During the 1964 fiscal year, the Forestry Economics Unit participated in two 



^search projects. The first is the A R D A (Agricultural Rehabilitation and Devel- 



>pment Act) project under the direction of Professor D. V. Love, University of 



^oronto. This project involves the study of the economics of intensive forestry in 



mthern Ontario and the comparison of returns from forestry with other land uses. 



The second, a Research Branch project in the Southwestern Region, aims to 

 establish eastern cottonwood and other fast-growing hardwoods. The economic 

 study relates to a financial evaluation of these species* 



247 



