286 



METHODS OF TIMBER ESTIMATING 



the strip method. Compass strips are run at the usual intervals, 

 but instead of a continuous belt or ribbon of area being covered, this is 

 broken or separated into plots at fixed or stated intervals along the line. 



These plots may be rectangular, but the use of such plots is not 

 common. In the measurement of rectangular plots, a crew is usually 

 employed, and this same crew can probably run out the entire strip 

 with better results. Rectangular plots for the measurement of young 

 growth and reproduction, which is desired only on a small per cent 

 of the area, are frequently used in conjunction with a strip for the 

 merchantable timber. 



The common form of plots is circular to enable one man to work 

 to advantage without the assistance of a compassman. By dividing 

 the functions of pacing and compass work from those of estimating 

 and recording the diameters and heights of timber, the mind is kept 

 free for concentration on each task in turn. A crew of two men is 

 sometimes used for circular plot estimating with the same advantage 

 to the timber cruiser, who can inspect the stand for defect and quality 

 between the estimation of the volumes of his plots. The coromon 

 size of plots is as follows: 



TABLE XLII 

 Sizes of Circular Plots 



The relation of these plots to the per cent of area covered is given 



below. 



TABLE XLIII 

 Relation between Plots and Area Covered 



