TURPENTINE LEASES 151 



1912 Stumpage Prices. — The official prices on the stump 

 for the year 191 2, as cited in the timber sale circulars for the 

 different inspections, give fuel prices at 1.40 to 2 francs ($0.27 

 to $0.39) per stere (36 cubic feet) for holm oak, i to 1.20 francs 

 ($0.19 to $0.23) for beech, and 20 centimes ($0.04) per stere (35 

 cubic feet) for Corsican or maritime pine. Sawlogs are estimated 

 at 2 to 3 francs ($0.39 to $0.58) for broadleaves, mostly beech, 4 to 

 4.50 francs ($0.77 to $0.87), and in one case 7 francs ($1.35) for 

 maritime pine; 10 per cent more for fir than for maritime pine; 

 only 5 to 6 francs ($0.96 to $1.16) for small-sized or poorly located 

 fellings in Corsican pine, but 13 francs ($2.51) for splendid saw- 

 timber near a main road in the forest of Valdoniello. In the vil- 

 lages ordinary timbers sell for 60 to 70 francs ($11.58 to $13.51) 

 per cubic metre (35 cubic feet), or 12 to 14 francs ($2.32 to $2.70) 

 per "canne." A "canne" consists of 2 planks 0.25 metre (9.8 

 inches) wide, 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) long and 4 cm. (1.6 inches) thick; 

 they figure 4.3 to 4.5 Cannes to the cubic metre (35 cubic feet). 



Turpentine Operations. ^ The rights ''^ to tap alive 53,849 

 maritime pine trees in the forest of Zonza sold for 15,350 francs 

 ($2962.55) in 1908 for the 5-year period 1909 to 1913. Un- 

 fortunately, because of labor troubles, only 18,000 trees, or 

 one- third of the stand, were tapped in 1909; but in 1913 the 

 lease was in full swing and was being profitably operated. The 

 company has installed a local still at Zonza, to save the 30- 

 mile wagon haul and ocean shipping expense on the raw product. 



One of the most promising features of the lease is the ap- 

 parent immunity from fires which this area enjoys. It is known 

 that many. of the local citizens are personally interested in the 

 operating company and consequently the villagers make every 

 effort to keep out fire. The small area of maritime pine which 

 prevents a larger enterprise, and the hilly country which in- 

 creases the difficulty of tapping and collecting the resin, are 

 two important drawbacks. 



The yield ^^ has been satisfactory, but less than in the Landes. 

 In 1910, 19,000 pines (each with one face) yielded 41,600 liters 



^^ Conservator's annual reports for 1910 and 1911. 

 ^* Conservator's reports for 1910 and 1911. 



