CHAPTER XXI 



THE FARMER'S WOOD LOT 

 By R. p. Pritchard, M.F.» 



Value.' — On nearly every farm there is an area of greater or 

 less extent that is not suited to the growing of farm crops. It is 

 too rough, stony or steep, or the soil is too thin or too wet. This 

 is the area on which the farmer should practice forestry. A 

 permanent crop of forest trees should be kept on such an area, 

 so that it may produce a definite annual yield or income. He is 

 a very unprogressive farmer indeed who doubts the value of 

 the farm wood lot. 



It enhances the value of his farm and makes it more salable. 



It is a reserve fund, and may furnish him with ready cash in 

 time of need. 



It is valuable for recreation purposes, and in some localities 

 may furnish a steady income from this source alone. 



It furnishes work in the winter months for the owner or for 

 his men and teams. 



It furnishes him with fire wood, posts, poles, and lumber at a 

 very great saving over the market price. 



The country to-day is dependent almost entirely on the wood 

 lot for a good many valuable species like white oak, black walnut, 

 black cherry. 



A good farm wood lot may be regarded as money in the bank, 

 and the amount of growth each year as interest on this capital. 

 If you misuse the wood lot, or damage its growth, then you are 

 spending more than your income and cutting into your capital. 

 At the present time there is great need of building all over the 

 country. The price of lumber is higher than ever before, and a 

 good Avood lot is greatly to be desired. 



Protection. — If you have been neglecting your wood lot, start 

 now and consider the following things every time you go into it, 

 so that you may get the largest amount of interest possible on 

 your capital invested. 



Any trees of desirable species under twenty-five years of age ? 

 No ? Then keep out the fires, keep out the stock, quit cutting out 

 the best trees and plant some young desirable trees every time 



^ Assistant Professor of Silviculture, N" Y. State College of Forestry. 



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