SAIIBWOOI) SUPPLIES. 31 



generally tlie least estimated of the hardwoods. Owing to its 

 irregular distribution, ash is of local importance only, though 

 in some places it is claimed that ash logs are as easily procured 

 as almost any other. (Oconto county.) 



Among trees of secondary importance aspen (poplar), white 

 birch, butternut and beech may be mentioned in order of their 

 economic value. The aspen (poplar), both the common aspen 

 and large-toothed aspen are found in aU parts of the area, but 

 are conspicuous as timber trees only in the northern forests, 

 especially of Douglas, Bayfield, and Ashland counties. These 

 aspens (poplars) take possession of all burned slashings, but 

 aside from their value as nurse trees to pine and better woods 

 the aspens on the slashings of North Wisconsin have generally 

 been of no value so far, and it appears doubtful if they ever 

 will be except in a few localities, chiefly in the better sandy 

 loam districts. 



The white birch is best developed near Lake Superior, but 

 never grows large, generally remaining a mere eapling, com- 

 monly less than 12 inches in diameter and 50 feet in height. In 

 this territory it is almost always a member of mixed woods, 

 often' joining the white piae, and rarely forms thickets by itself 

 (on some burned areas in Forest county.) It is cut for chair 

 stock, etc., but 90 per cent, of all white birch is too small for 

 present markets. 



The butternut is sparingly scattered over the better loam 

 lands as far north as the Iron Eange. It occurs isolated, rarely 

 in small groups, and though it grows to good size its distribution 

 here seems uncertain and accidental. 



The beech is restricted to the sandy loam lands of the Green 

 Bay region, and invades only the edges of the real loam or clay 

 lands of northern Oconto and Shawano counties. Wherever 

 seen, it appears to thrive, is abundant in all sizes and evidently 

 reproduces well. 



Throughout the hardwood forests all stages from the seed- 

 ling to the old and decaying timber trees are represented. In 

 some cases the stand of old, mature timber is quite heavy, and 



