434 



DOES A WOOD LOT PAY? 



The question naturally arises. Is a woodlot a paying proposition? 

 If it is not, why are the most progressive farmers taking such an interest 

 in forest planting and forest management? Timber is a necessity. In 

 earlier times it was not so valuable, so the land was cleared. The rem- 

 nants of the old forest may easily be improved at odd times. The cost 

 is much reduced if the farmer does his own work. So it is with planted 

 woodlots, especially if wild seedlings are used. Besides, the price of tim- 

 ber is advancing as the supply is diminishing. This alone encourages 

 planting. 



The following extract from a letter shows that with a little care a 

 woodlot can be made to pay : 



"I have logs enough cut now to make from forty to fifty thousand 

 feet of lumber. These logs I cut from a ten-acre grove that was only a 

 brush patch thirteen years ago. In addition ro the logs the grove has 

 supplied plenty of wood for from two to four stoves, and some for sale, 

 besides posts and poles, all of which came from the thinnings. There are 

 still enough trees on the land to make a good grove." The present gen- 

 eration may not reap the profits but the next one will. 



SUMMARY. 



The following conclusions have been drawn from this study : 



1. The present woodlots, only the remnants of the early forests, are 

 in very bad condition. 



2. Well-ordered woodlots are valuable financially, climatically and 

 aesthetically. 



3. Old woodlots may be improved and new ones planted successfully. 



4. Woodlots must be protected and well cared for in order to secure 

 the best results. 



5. A woodlot is a paying investment. 

 The one thing lacking is universal interest. 



Wabash College, 



Crawfordsville. Ind. 



LIST OF USEFUL PUBLICATIONS. 



Record. S. J. Suggestions to Woodlot Owners in the Ohio Valley Region. 

 U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Forest Service. Cir. 138. Feb. 25, 

 1908. 



