22 PEELIMINAEY STUDY OF 



of such situations. On the other hand, the north slopes are char- 

 acterized by a greater variety of species, and the sheltered lower 

 portions are classed with the cove lands. The more exposed ridges 

 are usually covered with a stunted, scrubby growth of the hardiest 

 trees and shrubs. 



There is considerable damage to timber from fires, especially on 

 the drier, southwest slopes. The burned-over land often becomes 

 covered with briers, laurel, rhododendron, and other shrubs, which 

 choke out tree reproduction. Fires ar set purposely by cattlemen 

 to improve grazing, and accidentally by hunters and campers. Cut- 

 over lands are always in danger from fire because of the slash left 

 after lumbering. Sometimes the impetus gained by a fire on such 

 lands will carry it into virgin stands which would not ordinarily 

 be in danger. For this reason lumber companies often make an 

 effort to keep fire out of their cut-over lands. 



VALLEY OF EAST TENNESSEE. 



That portion of the Great Appalachian Valley within the State 

 forms the Valley of East Tennessee, a belt lying west of the Unakas 

 with an average width of 50 miles, a general elevation of 1,000 feet, 

 and an area of 9,200 square miles. It is made up of a series of 

 minor valleys and low ridges which rise from 300 to 500 feet above 

 the stream levels. The long, northeast-southwest valleys are un- 

 derlaid by limestone and shale. The intervening ridges formed by 

 standstone strata are either narrow and sharp-crested or mountain- 

 ous in character ; while the cherty dolomite ridges are broad, with 

 rounded or level tops. The entire region is drained southwestward 

 by the Tennessee River and its tributaries. These become smaller 

 and swifter above Knoxville, where the general slope is somewhat 

 steeper. The railroad transportation facilities are very good, with 

 two trunk lines south of Knoxville and one north. Most of the land 

 is held in farms of moderate size, although there are also a few 

 large tracts owned by individuals or corporations. 



This is a well-settled region in which agriculture is the chief in- 

 dustry. The timber is of relatively small commercial importance, 

 since the virgin stands have long been cut off and little has been 

 done to encourage and protect second growth. Nevertheless, there 

 are many portable mills producing inferior grades of lumber, chiefly 

 for local use, and a considerable amount of wood is cut for fuel and 

 extract purposes. Cross-ties and chestnut poles are also produced. 

 Within the region are several cities where various manufacturing 



