available supply of merchantable timber, but also on account of 

 the lessening of the percent of valuable species in the stand. 



Today, most of the best woodlots in Maine are composed 

 chiefly of white-pine, and these are situated, for the most part, 

 in the south-western part of the State, thought there are, of 

 course, many excellent woodlots outside of this part ; but the 

 growth is not so rapid, nor are the economic conditions as favor- 

 able for the growing of timber on small areas outside of that 

 section. 



Many farmers by giving a little care and attention to their 

 woodlots have profited by thousands of dollars even within the 

 past decade, and the prospects of good financial returns from 

 growing timber are today better than ever. Clear-cutting with- 

 out making any provision for the replacement of trees of any 

 kmd on the area is a great mistake, for much of the land now 

 occupied by woodlots is absolutely unsuitable for agriculture, 

 and can be profitably utilized only for tree growth. It must 

 always be borne in mind, that, besides producing timber, for- 

 ests build up the soil, conserve water, and help to prevent ero- 

 sion. 



Burning over recently cut areas is gqnerally a mistake, for it 

 destroys the natural condition of the forest floor, exposing the 

 soil to the excessive drying of sun and wind, and greatly de- 

 creases the chances for securing reproduction of the better 

 species ; while the light, winged seeds of birch and aspen are 

 blown in and soon take possession of the area, finding on the 

 exposed mineral soil the most favorable place for germination. 



It is possible that some of the land owners in the State may 

 not be familiar enough with the laws of the State to know that 

 two bills to encourage planting have already been enacted. One 

 passed in 1872 and revised in March, 1909. provides for an ex- 

 emption from taxation for 20 years for all lands planted with 

 not less than 640 trees to the acre under certain prescribed condi- 

 tions; and the other passed in January, 1909, (Senate Doc- 

 ument No. 160.) provides for the distribution of prizes at stated 

 periods for the best plantations in the State. This latter is 

 known as the Benj. C. Jordan fund and consists of five cash 

 prizes ranging in value from $500 to $25. Complete informa- 

 tion as to the terms required of competitors for these prizes may 



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