FRENCH BROAD RIVER BASIN ABOVE SKYLAND. 149 



Soil. The .soils are .sandy and poor. They are largely derived from quartz- 

 ites and .sandstones. Much of the land, especially on the southern slopes on the 

 north and west side of the creek, is thin and ver}^ rocky. 



Agrlcultund value. Where they are at present cultivated, these lands produce 

 scant crops of corn and small grain. On account of their porosity they are 

 incapable of being brought to a high state of fertility and are subject to drying 

 out very badly during the summer and fall. 



Huriius and Utter. Nearly all of the forest land, especially the dry southern 

 slopes, has been badly burned, and there is very scant humus upon it, although 

 where several years have passed since the last fire there is a heavy growth of 

 brush and young timber. 



Thit})ti' trees. The forest is formed of oaks and chestnut associated with 

 black pine. The stand is generally poor, and a great deal of the hardwood is 

 stump sprouts or is defective from ancient tires. There is .some locust, hickory, 

 and occasionally white pine. In a few of the hollows are found characteristic 

 Appalachian hard woods. 



Yield. The vield is about 1,500 feet B. M. per acre. Merchantable timber is 

 found chiefly on the north slope of the mountain and on the upper part of the 

 creek. 



Demand.- There is a small demand for low-grade material, and a better 

 demand for good quality. 



Accessibility. The Southern Railway crosses the mouth of the creek. There 

 is a v^ry poor road up the creek, but it could easily be improved if necessary. 



Chdting. No mills are cutting on the creek at present. The merchantable 

 hard wood has been largely culled, except at the head. At several places along 

 the creek there is some white and black pine, which seem to be in very good 

 condition. 



Second yroirth. Second growth is very abundant in the burned woods and 

 consists largely of oak sprouts and black-pine and white-pine seedlings. 



Undergroicth. Undergrowth, except young trees, is scant. 



Rate of grotrth. Accretion is .slow, especially in the severeh' burned woodland. 



Water poiner. Water power is too limited to be of great value. 



Oionership. There are 17 families living on the creek, most of whom have 

 .small holdings. 



Price of land. Farming land sells at $1 to $20 per acre; woodland, at $1 

 to $3. 



