THE FORESTS OF ALLEGANY COUNTY 



BY 



GEO. B. SUDWORTH 



INTRODUCTION. 



An explanation of the circumstances under which this investigation 

 took place seems proper. The earnest desire of Professor William 

 B. Clark, State Geologist of Maryland, to develop all the economic 

 resources of the state, naturally led to a consideration of the forests. 

 The writer was detailed to examine the forests of Allegany county 

 as a beginning of this work. The co-operation of the U. S. Division 

 of Forestry in this work was deemed proper on the ground that the 

 information obtained would be of mutual value both to the Division 

 of Forestry and the Maryland Geological Survey. 



With the exception of the photographs taken, all expenses attend- 

 ing this field work were defrayed by the Maryland Geological Survey. 

 These photographs, some of which are reproduced for the present 

 paper, number about ninety, and remain the property of the Division 

 of Forestry. 



The purpose of this investigation was to supply information as to 

 the condition, composition, character and uses of the forests of this 

 county. The relation of timber-cutting, grazing, and forest fires 

 to reproduction were also subjects of special study, with a view to 

 pointing out a means of abating their evil effects, and thus increasing 

 the productiveness of Allegany forests. 



The examination of this county was accomplished by personal 

 travel either on foot, by rail, or by team and wagon. As only the 

 southern and western boundaries of the county are accessible by rail, 

 most of the necessary travel was performed on foot and by team. 



The county is well provided with private and public wagon-roads 



