64 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



From the above it will be seen that the total loss in dues and 

 stumpage under our assumptions is $12,624,200. This sum, of course, 

 must be offset by the value of the second growth, which, in this case, is 

 principally poplar. The aggregate of sample strips taken in poplar 

 stands from 20 to 35 years old was 56 acres. The average number of 

 poplar trees per acre on these 56 acres was 250. On some 300 poplar 

 stumps, in all, the annual rings were counted and diameters measured 

 in the various townships. Their average age was found to be 32.23 

 years and their average diameter 6.28 inches. From the volume tables 

 of poplar we find that it takes 33 trees, 6 inches in diameter and 50 feet 

 high, to make a cord of peeled pulpwood. If we regard 250 trees 

 per acre as the average for the entire area and apply the above 

 factor, we find that the average acre, in its present condition, woiild 

 eventually yield 7.5 cords of pulpwood. Regarding poplar pulpwood 

 as worth $1.00 per cord on the stump, then its value on the 560,000 

 acres at 32 years of age would be $4,200,000. In other words, referring 

 to the figures above in regard to the pine, the fires destroyed $12,600,000 

 worth of pine and replaced it by $4,200,000 worth of poplar, 

 thus leaving $8,400,000 still to charge to the fire account. As suffi- 

 cient data to give these figures scientific accuracy is lacking, they must 

 be regarded simply as approximations, but there is no doubt respect- 

 ing the great financial loss both in the quantity and quality of the 

 forest products through the agency of fires. It is very desirable that 

 extensive studies be made upon these old bums in order to detennine 

 as nearly as possible the actual and potential decrease in value as the 

 result of successive fires. If data of this kind could be prepared and 

 given wide circulation it would lead to a greater appreciation of the value 

 of the second growth and so help to make the pubHc more cautious in 

 regard to fires. At present there is a widespread belief in the public 

 mind, that a fire in second growth does no particular harm, because it 

 does not destroy saw-logs. The people forget, or perhaps do not reahze, 

 that from these burned-over lands must come our future supply of pine 

 — if we are to have a future supply ; that there can be no saw-logs when 

 the mature trees are once removed, if their young, the future producers, 

 are killed by periodic fires. 



Fire Protection 



The discussion on the previous pages naturally leads to a consider- 

 tion of fire protection in the Trent watershed. It is apparent, from the 

 summer's observation in the field, that the areas containing mer- 

 chantable timber are thoroughly and efficiently protected. It is, of 

 course, to the limit-holder's interest to do this, and his interest extends 



