ESTIMATING THE YIELD. 303 



whilst in unfavouruLle localities and open woods it is at a 

 maximum. 



Whenever stems are sold at their full length, the measure- 

 ment for timber naturally stops where the small end becomes 

 less than the minimum in timber-classes, and the rest of the 

 log can be measured only as firewood. 



ii. Measurcmoits according to Dimensions. 



In some localities, where there is an extensive trade in logs, 

 it has been for a long time customary to arrange them in 

 classes which do, not depend on their cubic contents. Thus, for 

 each class {HolliinderJioh, iVc. of the Black Forest), a log of 

 average dimensions is assumed as a standard, and by its value 

 that of all other logs in the class is regulated, according to 

 variations in length and thickness at the butt-end. 



Thus in the Kinzigthal of the Black Forest, which has been 

 renowned for centuries for its fine logs, a silver-fir log 20 

 meters (65 feet) long and 46 centimeters (18 inches) at the 

 butt-end, is considered the standard. 



In many regions of the Southern Alps, in the same way, butts 

 12 — 15 inches in largest diameter are considered standards. 

 Thus traders speak of 2 pieces of 10 — 12 inches, 4 of 8 — 10 

 inches, 8 of 6 — 8 inches as equivalent to a standard, whilst 

 butts of 15 — 18 inches are considered equivalent to li, and larger 

 butts to 2 standards. A similar custom prevails in Norway. 



It is clear that such a method greatly facilitates trading, for 

 the price of each class is a multiple or part of that of the 

 standard log and rises and falls with it. 



At the same time it is much simpler to calculate prices by 

 the cubic contents, than where a few millimeters in the diameter 

 of the butt give rise to a considerable difiference in prices. 

 Besides it is evident that traders must have experience in the 

 method before they can thoroughly understand all its refine- 

 ments, and this gives local traders a considerable advantage 

 over would-be competitors from a distance. This naturally 

 reduces competition and prices. 



Hence the method is falling into disrepute, and will probably 

 be gradually replaced by that which employs the cubic contents. 



