ESTIMATING THE TREES IN THE WOODLOT 181 



scientific basis were then devised. These give with assurance 

 when carefully carried out the contents of stands of timber 

 usually within at least s per cent to lo per cent of the actual 

 amount. Most of these methods can be used without previous 

 experience in the woods. 



In estimating timber no effort is made to measure the trees 

 exactly. This could be done only at great expense by cutting 

 the trees down or climbing into them. An estimate, not the 

 exact contents of the trees is desired. A timber estimate is 

 made usually to give a basis for determining the stumpage 

 price or the value of the standing timber and for figuring 

 on the best method of cutting the trees and getting the logs 

 out of the woods. Settlement for the logs cut is usually made 

 by measuring the actual amount of material removed from the 

 woodlot. 



There are many methods of timber estimating in use at 

 the present time. Each timber estimator chooses the method best 

 suited to the timber, the object of the estimate, and the time and 

 money at his disposal. These methods will be found described 

 in books on Forest Mensuration and in books on General 

 Forestry, a list of which is given in the Appendix. From 

 these many methods a few have been selected which are simple 

 in theory and easy to apply, and which can easily be carried 

 out by the farmer in the woodlot. Although these methods 

 are simple and easily learned they are among the most accu- 

 rate known. Where carried out skillfully and carefully they 

 will give with considerable certainty the contents of the timber. 



Value of Timber Estimating to the Farmer. — Every wood- 

 lot owner should be able to estimate the contents of the trees 

 in his woodlot. He should know how much lumber the trees 

 will produce when sawed and also how many cords of wood 

 or how many poles, ties and other products. Without such 

 knowledge in seHing his product he usually is dependent on 

 guess work or on the estimate made by the purchaser. A 

 knowledge of the forest capital contained in his woodlot will 



