THE SOUTHERN CYPEESS. 19 



tracts of cypress timber. Seven sales in Louisiana in 1914, aggre- 

 gating 45,000,000 feet were made at prices reported as ranging 

 mostly from $3.50 to $8.25, but reaching nearly as low as $2 per 

 thousand feet, probably by reason of some condition such as scattering 

 or inaccessible stands. Over 270,000,000 feet in Florida, comprised 

 in four tracts, sold in 1913 at prices reported as ranging mostly 

 around S3 and $3.50 per thousand feet. Assuming an average cost 

 of manufacture of $13 and a legitimate profit of $2.90 per thousand 

 feet, on the basis of the average mill-run price in Louisiana in 1914, 

 the operator is realizing $7.63 on his stumpage. A lower quality of 

 standing timber, increased cost of manufacture, and lower average 

 mill-run values will bring the returns from stumpage down to averages 

 estimated mostly at $3.50 to $5.50 per thousand. It is apparent 

 that at the present lumber prices, even with the upward tendency in 

 cost of manufacture, prospective operators can afford to pay $6 to $8 

 for good cypress stumpage and make a reasonably good net profit. 



LIFE HISTORY OF THE TREE. 



Cypress is a tree of ancient lineage. Forest remains show that, 

 prior to the glacial period, cypress, along with the redwood, incense 

 cedar, the ginkgo (now of China), and several hardwoods, grew 

 in abundance in the Arctic regions of both North America and 

 Europe. 1 By subsequent climatic changes these species were 

 driven southward along widely separated lines. The ginkgo 

 descended the coast of China, the redwood the western coast of 

 North America, and cypress the eastern coast to the warm south 

 Atlantic and Gulf regions. 



BOTANICAL FORMS. 



Among botanists at least two forms of cypress are commonly 

 recognized. These two forms overlap in geographical range and 

 intergrade to such an extent that it is often difficult and sometimes 

 impossible to distinguish between them. The differences, moreover, 

 become l< ss apparent as the tree increases in age. 



When found distinct, the main form is characterized by flat leaves 

 arranged in two ranks along the horizontal branchlets, wide-spreading 

 limbs, and thin, comparatively smooth bark. The most common 

 type of the oilier form C Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium Sarg.) 2 

 is distinguished by its small, asicular or.appressed leaves, smaller 

 and more ascending branches and branchlets, and thick, strongly 

 furrowed bark (PL X). More recent investigation has added to 

 the above some minor characteristics of tho wood and differences 



in rate of growth, which are discussed elsewhere under appropriate 



oftbi liuseum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, VoLXVl, No. 1. 

 * Variously held among botanist! to or distinctive species. 



