34 BULLETIN 1064, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



portion to the size of the tree. (See pp. 29 to 31.) Conservative 

 operators recommend leaving one-half, or at the very least one-third, 

 of the bark uncut. Without such provision the tree is unduly injured 

 and its productive power is reduced so that the yield is less or may 

 even fail entirely, as shown in Plate VII, figure 3. The cost of tur- 

 pentining such trees throughout the operation, or until they die, is, 

 however, just as great in the matter of placing cups and aprons, 

 chipping and dipping, as is the cost in the case of the more productive 

 trees. Such trees are also frequently attacked, some think more often 

 than more healthy individuals, by fungus or insects. 30 Care is re- 

 quired not only with reference to the position of the faces in relation 

 to each other, but also with regard to the way the tree leans, its gen- 

 eral shape or curvature, and any special irregularities which may 

 occur. Loss in production of oleoresin is also occasioned by cutting 

 the first streaks too far above the ground. It is of advantage to place 

 the faces as low as the butt conformation of the tree will permit. 



The location of the faces with relation to the points of the compass 

 has received some attention but appears to be considerably influ- 

 enced by variable local conditions. As is shown in figures 1 to 6, the 

 15 trees selected at Columbia, Miss., where the position of the faces 

 was noted, showed great variability in wood formation, with some 

 tendency toward greater vigor on the south side. From some ex- 

 periments with western yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.), it 

 was found that an average from the total yields of 50 trees during one 

 turpentining season was 9 per cent greater from the south side than 

 from the north side cups. 31 An experienced operator has advanced 

 the following argument : 32 



It is pretty well settled now that the average pine standing erect has thicker 

 sap on the south side, evidence of greater thrift on that side ; then, unless there 

 are conditions that require it otherwise, it would seem to promise a larger yield 

 of gum to so install the cup and chip as to leave as much of this best sap uncut 

 as possible. Make the faces west or southwest, east or southeast. In cupping 

 trees of the size to permit two cups, if the timber is to be cut for lumber before 

 it has time to be recupped (or back cupped), place them opposite, east and 

 west; but if it is expected to be cupped the second time, hang the cups south- 

 west and southeast with 6 inches of unchipped surface between. 



CONTAINERS FOR THE GUM. 



The destructive method of using a box cut in the tree (PI. I, fig. 1) 

 to hold the gum has been "practically abandoned. In its place are 

 found a great variety of containers or cups of pottery or metal. 



30 Hopkins, A. D., " The Southern Pine Bettle." Farmers' Bui. 1188, U. S. Dept. Agr., 

 1921. 



31 Betts, BE. S., " Possibilities of Western Pines as a Source of Naval Stores." For. 

 Serv. Bui. 116. 



83 Courtesy of Mr. A. Sessoms, Bonifay, Fla. 



