FIELD APPRAISALS OF TIMBER STUMPAGE 219 



given rule in the class of timber estimated ( 179). Quantities 

 estimated will therefore be expressed as log contents measured 

 by the local rule, but in computing values the overrun on each 

 thousand feet of logs will be allowed for. Log rules have been 

 devised which give very closely the actual sawed contents of 

 logs. The use of such a rule insures a proper standard of meas- 

 urement for the contents of standing trees.* 



217. Closeness of Utilization as Affecting Timber Estimates. 

 Another factor which influences timber estimating is the 

 closeness with which the timber is utilized ( 186) . Cheap lumber 

 necessitates the wasting of the poorer grades of boards, as the 

 cost of manufacture exceeds the sale value. Under this condi- 

 tion, limby tops, defective logs and small trees are left in the 

 woods. In such forests as exist in Washington State, the differ- 

 ence between utilizing only the highest grade product and taking 

 common and low grade lumber may make 50 per cent difference 

 in the total quantity removed ( 186). In general, an estimate is 

 made on the basis of present market conditions, and does not 

 attempt to anticipate future values, though this will have weight 

 with a far-sighted purchaser. Estimates made in past periods 

 were low compared with present estimates and must be revised 

 as utilization becomes more complete. 



218. Field Methods of Timber Estimating. With these 

 points decided, the problem remains of how to cover the area 

 with the least possible cost. It is desired to obtain the total 

 quantity of timber, by species, with a knowledge of sizes and 

 quality. Cruisers of considerable experience hi a restricted 

 locality can size up timber by walking through it, and from their 

 general knowledge of what similar stands have cut out, will 

 make a guess at the total stand. This method is comparatively 

 useless for large tracts, or with men of lesser experience or un- 

 familiar with a region, and is always subject to large errors. 



On the other hand, the cruiser may go to the trouble of meas- 

 uring the contents of each tree separately. To justify this course 

 the trees must be very valuable and the area small. Woodsmen 



* " Forest Mensuration," by Henry Solon Graves, Chap. HI, pp. 27-35. John 

 Wiley & Sons, Inc., N. Y., 1906. 



