FOREST PROTECTION 



Part A : Protection Against Organic Nature 

 CHAPTER 1. PROTECTION AGAINST MAN. 



Par. 1. Protection Against Adverse Possession. 



Adverse possession and its consequences are best prevented by con- 

 tinuous, open and notorious possession of every acre of land comprised in 

 the property. To that end, a proper survey is necessary, coupled with de- 

 markation of the boundary lines by proper marks or by fences; of the cor- 

 ners by proper corner trees and witnesses. 



Wooden stakes as corner signs are objectionable; iron "T" stakes, 5' 

 long, costing 35 to 60 cents apiece, are extensively used at Biltmore. 



The exactness of the survey depends on the acre-value of the forest. 



The lines of the property, established by the demarkation, must be 

 maintained by continuous patrolling. The posting of trespass notices and 

 the trimming of bushes along the lines are advisable, if not legally required. 

 Foremen, tenants and guards should know the lines perfectly so as to be 

 witnesses available in lawsuits. 



In the case of disputes with neighbors, refuge to "processioning pro- 

 ceedings" is taken. 



The forester should endeavor to straighten the lines of the forest by 

 purchase or exchange, and to substitute natural boundary lines for arti- 

 ficial lines. 



Squatters, with the help of state grants or other colorable title, — or 

 without title but with distinct boimdary lines and with distinct possession — 

 become owners within a few years. 



In real estate law, the "written word is decisive rather than the gist 

 of a contract. 



The lessee surrenders to the lessor ail claim to the property on which 

 he lives. 



All deeds pertaining to a piece of property should be placed on pub- 

 lic record. 



Suit should be brought in the federal courts, preferably. 



In the distant future, the increased value of real property will force 

 the states to "legalize" the individual holdings after careful survey. 



The administering forester must comiyiand a good knowledge of real 

 estate law; he should leave no means untried to ferret out the trespasser 

 and to secure his conviction. 



The most important laws in this connection are those concerning 

 Destruction of comer marks 

 Larceny of wood and timber 

 Entering land when forbidden 

 Arrest 

 Proceedings at court. ^^ 



