512 DEPARTMENTAL KEPOETS. 



(2) That the cup system yields over 23 per cent more turpentine 

 than the box. 



(3) That the cup system gives uniformly high-grade rosins not pos- 

 sible from the box. 



(4) That the cup system occasions the least possible injury to trees 

 and will greatly lengthen their life and prolong the duration of the 

 naval-stores industry, the extinction of which by the use of the box 

 was imminent. 



Through the circulation of Bulletin No. 40 and Circular No. 24, and 

 through the personal instructions of Dr. Charles H. Herty, in charge 

 of this investigation, the advantages of the cup system have been 

 demonstrated to a large number of turpentine operators, of whom 20 

 are now using 345,000 cups. Many more operators would have installed 

 the new system had it been possible to get cups at the proper time. 

 The only present manufacturer of the cup could fill but a small num- 

 ber of the orders received. Widespread indorsement of the cup sys- 

 tem by operators gives positive indication that it will be very generally 

 adopted another season. 



Experiments were continued at Ocilla, Ga., on some 20,000 trees to 

 obtain still more accurate data on the comparative yield by the cup 

 and the box systems. The present season's experiments have made it 

 possible to install the cup system at about half the cost estimated for 

 the season of 1902. 



Forest Distribution. 



maryland. 



In cooperation with the Maryland geological survey examinations 

 were made of St. Mary, Prince George, and Kent counties. Eeports 

 of these studies are practically finished, and are to be ptTblished in 

 the annualreport of the State geologist for 1903. The reports embody 

 (1) classification of wooded and other lands, the extent and location 

 of which are shown on maps; (2) description of the forests and their 

 composition by types and species ; (3) stand of available merchantable 

 and domestic timber by classes and species; (4) uses and consumption 

 of wood by species; (o) efEectof forest fires and other sources of injury, 

 and recommendations for prevention and control; (6) recommenda- 

 tions for the increase and conservative management of the country's 

 forest resources. 



TEXAS. 



Following a study of the general forest resources of Texas, com- 

 pleted last year, a detailed study of the forests of Edwards Plateau 

 (southeastern Texas) has been made. The forest growth of this region 

 is important both for its influence on stream flow needed for irrigat- 

 ing adjacent agricultural lands and for supplies of commercial and 

 domestic timber. Supplies of Post Oak and a brown-wooded cedar 

 (Juniperus saUnoides) are abundant. The latter is important as a 

 substitute for the scarce red-wooded pencil cedars. The results of 

 this study are embodied in a valuable report, which will soon be ready 

 for publication. 



MISSOURI. 



Progress was made with the study of swamp forests in this State. 

 Ihe plan includes analyses of the factors which determine the distri- 



