QUARTER GIRTH STRAP. 103 



there will be many instances, especially where the 

 woods have been carefully thinned, where trees will be 

 of similar size and growth ; we allude to the practice 

 of measuring off areas, or counting the trees and 

 roughly estimating the lots. 



The quanity is invariably estimated in cubic feet, 

 and sales are usually effected also by the foot ; but in 

 certain districts sales are effected by the ton, and then 

 it is necessary to ascertain how many cubic feet of 

 rough timber are required to make the weight. The 

 weight of timber may be roughly estimated at from 

 60 to 90 Ibs. per cubit foot, but the forester should 

 satisfy himself on this point in accordance with the 

 class and kind of timber he has for sale. This he may 

 do by referring to published tables or by weighing a 

 piece for himself. The latter plan is the best. 



The measurer should supply himself with a measur- 

 ing strap, a rod, a small blazing axe or scribe, and a 

 book and pencil. The strap must be well-seasoned, 

 so that it will not stretch, and marked so that each 

 inch shall read J ; thus J, J, f , I inch, &c., up to 8 

 feet or more, as may be desired. By this means the 

 quarter girth will be seen at a glance. At the end of 

 the strap is attached a weight of lead, so that it may 

 be thrown round by the operator, and caught by the 

 left hand. This is done by standing close to the 

 trunk, and only requires practice. As already described, 

 from this quantity a deduction is made for fall and 

 bark, and the true quarter girth entered in the book in 

 the column assigned to it. The length is then taken 

 by the rod. This is held against the tree by an assist- 

 ant his full reach being previously ascertained and 



