THE HARVARD FOREST 251 



it is probable that the surrounding white pine wolf trees will suppress and 

 damage a large proportion of the plantations. 



In addition, there is a small area of Scotch pine spaced 6x6. It is 

 planned to try out red pine, red oak, and Douglas fir. Were it not for the 

 excellent reproduction of white ash and black cherry, it is probable that 

 blanks would be planted to these valuable species. 



A number of experimental sample plots have been established to secure 

 definite data on the different methods of treatment. For example, where the 

 shelterwood system was tried in almost pure white pine, a quarter acre plot 

 was not cut and nearby a quarter acre was measured to show the results of 

 cutting both as to growth and reproduction. 



The value of the Harvard forest as a demonstration of what can be done 

 in practical forestry cannot be over-estimated and private owners would profit 

 by visiting this tract in order to make a careful study of the different cut- 

 tings and the results. Within twenty or thirty years, when the results can 

 be more accurately gauged, a tract such as this showing varying conditions, 

 will undoubtedly do a great deal to encourage private owners to cut con- 

 servatively. 



PROTECTION OP THE TRACT 



There is little likelihood of trespass and the tract is so situated that the 

 slightest smoke is at once seen and reported to the officer in charge. Since 

 prompt action can be taken when fires start, no attempts have been made to 

 establish costly fire lines and there is little danger of a crown fire except 

 under most extraordinary conditions and then only in your coniferous growth. 



There are ducks, deer, foxes, rabbits and partridges on the tract and 

 the management allows hunting by local residents in order to promote good 

 feeling; the damage by deer, particularly to ash seedlings, is quite noticeable 

 and probably hunting will therefore be encouraged. 



At present the 250,000 bd. ft. cut annually, is sold to net well over $17.50 

 per thousand, or $1,875, and the hardwood and pine cordwood for $300 

 additional, making roughly a net return of $2,175. While this land will 

 probably not be taxed since it is part of the equipment for teaching forestry, 

 yet the tract is assessed at $60,000. The present yield, therefore, amounts 

 to about 3.6 per cent on this low valuation ; the tract could be sold for $80,000 

 quite readily. Yet it must be borne in mind that the cutting is nowhere 

 near the normal yield. For example, suppose 1,800 acres of the 2,000 were 

 producing to their full capacity on a 60 year rotation. This would mean an 

 annual cut of 30 acres, which surely should yield at least 30,000 feet per 

 acre. If this netted only $10 per thousand, and it will certainly net more 

 than this, perhaps double, by the time the forest is at its full producing 

 capacity, you would have a net annual revenue of from $9,000 to $18 000. 



It would be interesting to see the effect of somewhat heavier thinnings 

 in the pure pine 35 to 40 years old, perhaps removing one or two thousand 

 feet per acre additional, or fifteen per cent of the present stand as against 



