178 FORESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



tillag-e, but most of the soil, both where peatj and sandy, is unsuited 

 for agricultural purposes, and the permanency of the growth of 

 white cedar on it should be accepted as an assured fact and pro- 

 tection and management bestowed on it accordingly. 



Fires, in dry seasons, when the peaty soil or deep humus 

 becomes thoroughly dry, sometimes spread from the pine lands, or 

 from farms, to the white cedar swamps and inflict severe damage, 

 destroying not only the young growth, but much of the old, and 

 burning up the soil as well. 



Extensive areas of unlumbered forests still exist in Dare and 

 Tyrrell counties, and smaller in Gates, Jones, and Brunswick. 

 Smaller bodies occur in Bladen, Cumberland, and Harnett counties, 

 from which the largest specimens have been culled for telegraph 

 and light posts. 



TREATMENT OF WHITE CEDAR SWAMPS- 



The white cedar is one of the most valuable trees growing in 

 the coastal plain region. The demand for its timber, on account 

 of its lightness and resistance to decay on exposure to moisture, is 

 far in excess of the supply. Though exacting in regard to soil, 

 its ])references are for such lands as are unsuited for agricultural 

 uses. Its sylvicultural treatment is beset with no difficulties, and 

 its rapid growth offeis inducements of early returns to whoever 

 produces it. Where culling can be practiced, and only the largest 

 stocks removed, the largest yields of timber are secured, since the 

 young trees which are too small for use can continue their growth 

 uninterrupted, sheltered by specimens with firm trunks which can 

 protect tiiem from the wind. In only a few places, however, will 

 economic considerations permit this, as the cost of cutting road- 

 ways, laying trams and making sound, road-beds, which has to be 

 undertaken to remove this timber, is so great that the cutting to 

 the smallest size that can be utilized is often justifiable. 



Where the soil is sufficiently wet, not so much shade is 

 demanded by the very young plant to protect it from the sun; 

 where drier, more shade is necessary. 



As seed-bearing years are frequent, and the light, slightly winged 

 seed are borne in abundance, modified forms of clean cutting can 



