to break the logging company. The cost of the spur usually enters into 

 the cost of logging a small amount of timber only, since logs from only 

 a limited area pass over it. For this reason, if the cost of the spur is 

 excessive in any particular, the cost of logging in that area will be high, 

 and profits accordingly low. The main line costs are paid by the timber 

 from a whole operation. 



As near as the construction costs of the spur can be compared with 

 those of the main-line, the ratio should be about one-half or three-fifths 

 to one, per lineal unit. This is, of course, where similar country is 

 traversed and labor costs are the same. Thus where a main-line cost is 

 fifty dollars per station, the spur cost should be between twenty and 

 thirty dollars per station; and where the main-line costs only thirty-five 

 dollars, the spur should cost fifteen to twenty. 



These main-line costs are of main-line constructed in the woods, 

 the spurs branching out into country that is practically the same, and 

 into similar stands of timber. 



The following are some actual cases of construction costs based on 

 equal labor costs, and yardage at the same price, namely twenty-five cents 

 per yard for cut and fill : 



Main-line $ 35 per station. Spur-line $17 per station. 



Main-line $ 48 per station. Spur-line $23 per station. 



Main-line $ 65 per station. Spur-line $37 per station. 



Main-line $206 per station. Spur-line $73 per station. 



The latter case was one in which the spur-line ran rapidly into hill 

 side work, which reduced the cost. It often happens that spurs cost several 

 times as much per station as the main-line, where they lead into difficult 

 construction, or encounter rock-work which the main-line escapes. At 

 other times they cost far less than one-half of the construction price of 

 the main-line. However, the ratio of costs will usually be close to that 

 mentioned above. 



In many cases money is lost needlessly or spent unprofitably in spur 

 location and building. This is due largely to the inefficiency of the engi- 

 neer, or his lack of ability to distinguish between first class work on main- 

 lines and first class work on a spur. Here lies the vital point of saving 

 made by proper spur building in logging. The function of a spur must 

 always be kept uppermost in the mind of an engineer while locating and 

 building. He must remember that it is temporary; that steep grades and 

 sharp curves are not objectionable within proper limits; and that the cost 

 is charged to a small portion of timber. 



By a little saving here and there in building spurs, a big saving will 

 be made, and if men of ability give this part of logging proper thought and 

 consideration, our logs will enter the market at a lower cost per thousand. 



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