20 TIMBER OF THE EDWARDS PLATEAU OF TEXAS. 



Black jack and post oak constitute the chief elements in this type of 

 timber, the post oak forming the more abundant and larger growth. 

 The largest bodies of this timber of significance for our present dis- 

 cussion are those of the granite country. From Marble Falls to Llano 

 the post oak timber is more or less continuous, generally forming an 

 open, park-like growth, but sometimes a thick forest covering, as in 

 the vicinity of Granite Mountain. On the rich and moister sandy loam 

 near Fredericksburg is heavy post oak timber of large size, with a 

 dense undergrowth and a larger percentage of other hardwood trees 

 than is usual on the more arid gravel beds. 



COMMERCIAL VALUE OF THE HILL TIMBER. 



This phase of the subject is of importance for our consideration, 

 since it affects the treatment of timbered tracts, and consequently their 

 relation to water supply. 



With the exception of cedar, the hill timber finds a market chiefly 

 as fuel, of which enormous quantities are consumed, both in stoves 

 and grates and in the furnaces of lime and brick kilns, gin engines, 

 etc. Cedar likewise is extensively consumed as fuel and in charcoal 

 burning; but its great value lies in its yield of railway ties, poles, 

 posts, sills, and innumerable other articles which utilize its great 

 durability. 



A large part of the support of the hill country population comes 

 from the sale of wood for fuel. Especially during those parts of the 

 year when the cultivation and harvest of meager crops does not claim 

 their time, woodcutting is a prominent industry and an essential 

 resource wherever markets or shipping points are within teaming 

 distance. 



Cedar is handled at all points within hauling distance of brakes; but 

 cedar timber large enough to furnish ties and poles is becoming scarce, 

 except in remote districts. Much is still handled at Marble Falls, 

 Kerrville, Boerne, and other points not specifically known to the 

 writer. Locally, cedar furnishes construction material for every pos- 

 sible demand, as for rail fences, slat or picket fences, fence posts, 

 house sills, supports, and joists; so that, altogether, available supplies 

 are constantly drawn upon, often to their temporary exhaustion and 

 to the great detriment of the denuded hillsides. 



AGENCIES WHICH TEND TO REDUCE THE TIMBERED AREA. 



CLEARING FOR FARM LANDS. 



It was to be expected that most of the timber on the rich bottom- 

 lands would be cleared off in order to bring the land into cultivation. 

 This sacrifice of the timber seems, on the whole, to have been advisable 

 and profitable. A considerable amount of level uplands has also been 



