54 



together and of keeping together a force of dependable hi- 

 borers. Timber lands on a farm, especially if in connection 

 with a saw-mill, furnish employment when work in the fields 

 is at a standstill. There is least to do in the fields in the 

 winter and this is the best time to work in the woods; ao 

 that one fits into the other. In this way timber lands are of 

 importance in farm management, not only because of the 

 material which they produce, but because they furnish a 

 means of keeping labor ready for work in the fields when a 

 perishable crop must be moved quickly or be lost. 



198. According to the Federal census there are 26,392,- 

 000 acres in Georgia farm holdings. Of this area only 

 10,615,000 acres are reported to be in field crops. This leaves 

 15,777,000 acres in woodland and waste. There is very little 

 waste land; and most of what is called waste is capable of 

 producing timber crops. More than one-half of the average 

 farm in Georgia is covered by woods; and since the set- 

 tlement by our people has been going on for 182 years and 

 clearing has progressed no further than it has, it is not like- 

 ly that the wooded area will be greatly reduced for -several 

 generations. The owners must pay taxes on this land and 

 they are out the interest on the investment. It is clearly to 

 their advantage to make this land as productive as the con- 

 ditions will permit. The practice of forestry is the means to 

 this end. 



199. While the main effort of the farmer should be ex- 

 pended on his field crops and live stock, some part of it may 

 be profitably expended on his woodlands. Their place in 

 farm management is that of a' useful adjunct to the farm. 



