302 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



NO SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION IN A FOREST. 



A woolen mill, with oil-saturated rags, may at times cause spontaneous 

 combustion, but there never was an instance of such in a forest. The burning end 

 of a match, cigar or cigarette often causes destructive fires. Fire guards properly 

 arranged will check the advance of a fire, but they must be closely watched 

 during the summer and autumn, as dry leaves accumulate, and an ample space 

 be kept clear of inflammable debris. 



The usual method of lumbering is first to cut and remove all good trees of 

 sufficient size to make boards. Trees of inferior size are next made into ties, the 

 remainder being cut into cord wood. 



In proximity to pulp mills, suitable trees are converted into paper. To 

 facilitate logging operations, teamsters and loggers are permitted to cut away 

 much if not all young growth. In this manner the entire forest is quickly 

 destroyed. 



If this should be rich agricultural land it may bring a good price after the 

 timber has been sold ; otherwise it may be without material value. Xow, this 

 property having been converted into cash, some other investment must be sought 

 in order that the money may continue its earning capacity. 



The land has ceased to produce an income. Has it paid the owner for his 

 time, trouble and use of the capital ? 



Rather would it not have been better if only a portion of the timber were 

 removed, leaving the younger trees for a future cutting? If the crop be a large 

 one, a twenty years' rotation would make it a source of perpetual productiveness. 

 There are many tracts of forest land which were cut over twenty years ago, and 

 which are now ready for a second or even third harvest. 



Under proper conditions trees continue to grow, adding to their bulk each 

 year, until they are ripe or have become mature. Then they decrease in value 

 annually until they have ceased to exist and become a part of the soil from which 

 they are produced. 



To cut a tree in its prime, while in healthy, growing condition, is waste, and 

 to destroy younger trees which have required from ten to a score of years to 

 develop thus far is a useless sacrifice. 



On the other hand, to permit trees to pass their day of greatest usefulness 

 and enter upon a decline is equally unwise. Just when to cut trees requires 

 judgment and careful observation. 



Often one mature tree, if left, will prevent the development of many small 

 growths near by. Thrifty trees of greater value should always be preserved, 

 removing those of lesser worth where they interfere with the development of more 

 valuable young timber. 



A proper stand of trees on the ground should be maintained. When too 

 thickly growing, all are stunted, as they can not maintain a vigorous existence. 

 On the other hand, land unoccupied is a source of loss which must detract from 

 the value of the whole. Therefore every space should be growing some tree: if 

 they do not exist naturally or have been cut away, other trees should be planted 

 in these vacancies. 



It has been the constant practice of many farmers who own wood lots of 



