126 



Canadian Forestry Journal. 



not only be more effective m the preservation of the forests 

 but be eminently more just to the people of Canada whose pro- 

 perty is being sold. 



In the first place no timber should be sold until it is mature, 

 then It should be removed with as little delay as possible. Be- 

 fore being placed on the market the timber should be measured 

 by the forestry department and a workmg plan formulated, 

 for no set of rules can be suitable for all of the varying conditions 

 found in Canadian forests. It might be advisable especially 

 where the forest is chiefly for protection to mark all the trees 

 to be cut. After measurement the timber could be advertised 

 for sale stating the size of the block, quantity and conditions 

 of the timber to be cut and the regulations regarding diameter 

 hmit, height of stump, disposal of debris, etc., which may be 

 necessary. 



The blocks should be small, rarely if ever over one town- 

 ship but in order not to discourage the erection of mills, operators 

 should be assured that more blocks would be placed on the mar- 

 ket when the timber on the first becomes exhausted. 



The time allowed for removal should of course vary accord- 

 ing to the size of the block and accessibility of the timber but 

 m order that the Government receive what it should of the 

 increase in value, the periods should not be more than ten years. 

 At the end of that period the timber remaining uncut might be 

 again put on the market or held by the Government as the 

 sylvicultural conditions suggest. In this way the revenue from 

 the forests would be adjusted at least every ten years and be 

 somewhat commensurate with the true value of the timber. 

 At the same time the period should not be so short that the 

 limit holder would be forced to cut when the market is dull, 

 and he deserves a share of the unearned increment for his risk. 



A reserve bid might be held by the Government in order to 

 prevent the depression of the price below the actual value by 

 lack of competition, and the Hcensee should be required to deposit 

 bonds to the extent of say 30% to 40% of the value of the tim- 

 ber as estimated in the working plan, in order to ensure fulfil- 

 ment of contract. The balance of the pavments to be made 

 annually as the timber is cut. 



., It would seem advisable that the Government, as landlord, 

 should build and own permanent improvements such as the main 

 trails, important dams and drains. In case of a change of licensees 

 at the expiration of a lease disputes as to the value of temporary 

 improvements could be decided by the Minister of the Interior. 



The only Federal tax that the limit-holder should be re- 

 quired to pay is one-half of the cost of guarding his Hmit from 

 fire in order that he may be interested in having this service 

 effective. 



