Forestry in Huston Canada 57 



REPRODUCTION. 



The question of reproduction demands careful study. 

 White Spruce is most desirable but usually gives way to Balsam 

 F'ir which comes in after logging and wherever possible as 

 an understory in old burns. Excellent examples of tolerant 

 species coming up under the intolerant ones are found in abun- 

 dance. If no disturbing factors come in, most of the Paper 

 Birch and Aspen types will be replaced in time by Balsam Fir 

 types. Spruce reproduction may be aided considerably by cut- 

 ting Balsam Fir to a low diameter wherever possible and by 

 leaving a sufficient number of good Spruce seed-trees This 

 has been practiced to some extent during the logging operations 

 and should be continued with more effort and care. White 

 Pine, as far as natural reproduction is concerned, does not have 

 much chance. Some planting of this and other pine species, 

 such as Jack and Austrian Pines, has been tried, and it is hoped 

 will prove successful. Jack Pine seems to find no difficulty 

 in taking possession of the burned-over areas and makes a better 

 growth if it comes in before Aspen or Paper Birch. 



Wind falls are common and are sometimes several square 

 miles in extent. The uprooted trees injure and destroy much 

 of the young growth and also form a fire trap. Wherever the 

 cutting is very heavy, all remaining conifers are very often blown 

 over and the inferior species, such as Aspen or Paper Birch, 

 then have a splendid chance to take possession of the ground. 



LOGGING. 



The logging operations begin in September and end usually 

 in March. The work is done almost exclusively by Frenchmen, 

 since the Indians prefer trapping and hunting to the lumber- 

 man's life. All men are hired by jobbers, or contractors who 

 enter into a contract with the company to cut a given amount 

 of timber on a certain tract and pile it during the season on 

 skidways at a specified place. The cost of logging, including 

 all operations from the felling of the trees to the time they 

 are placed on the landing, varies from five to seven dollars 

 per thousand, board measure (Quebec Rule), depending upon 

 the distance and ease of hauling to the landing place. 



The scale of wages paid by the Laurentide Paper Company 

 is as follows : 



Per month and expenses. 



Foresters (according to experience) ... .$45.00 to $100.00 



Sealers _50.00 



Inspectors 50.00 



