64 



from an exact calculation, as far as exactness Is applicable to the 

 subject, increases 100 cords per year. 



8. A fanner in Ipswich deems the white birch, on the land on 

 which it is likely to grow, more profitable than any other wood that 

 can be grown ; and says that it may be cut to advantage once in sev- 

 en or eight years. Some other farmers fully concur in this opinion. 



9. Another farmer, whom I requested to favor me with his opin- 

 ions and experience, thus writes. " In November and December 

 of 1824 the birches on the acre on which they grew were all cut off. 

 It was an old growth, say from 25 to 30 years of age, and the first 

 of the kind on the lot. The birches were large and stood not very 

 near together ; they were from 5 to 9 inches through at the butt end. 

 I had 23 cords by measure from the acre. There are now from five to 

 eight sprouts on the same stumps, and, I presume, as many as that 

 number have died and fallen down within the last four and five years. 

 I am satisfied there now is as much birch wood on the acre, as when 

 I took off the old growth thirteen years since ; but generally not fit 

 to cut by four or five years. Rocky moist land is believed the most 

 favorable to the growth of birch wood ; and where the soil is favora- 

 ble I consider the gain more valuable than any other kind of wood ; 

 and white pine the next in value, in my vicinity. When good white 

 or yellow oak wood sells near honie at ^5 per cord, I think from 

 much experience, birch wood is as cheap at $4, or in that propor- 

 tion. Birch wood being much straighter, packs much better, and 

 we get more and better cords. The growth of an acre of maples 

 adjoining the acre of birch has not been of one half the value of the 

 birches. "I think," he adds, " that button wood, (the Plane tree,) 

 and the white ash may be cultivated to as great a profit on my land, 

 as any kind of forest trees whatever." The cultivation of forest 

 trees has not been pursued to any extent. Some small experiments 

 have been made with the locust, the oak, and the birch ; — this sub- 

 ject demands, on various accounts, much more attention than it has 

 received. Essex County has heretofore supplied a great amount of 

 ship limber, and considerable is still growing ; but the demands of 

 an increasing population will be constantly needing more for timber, 

 fuel, and fencing. The growth of the locust and larch, or Scotch 

 fir, do not injure, but the former certainly improves, the pasturing. 



