FIFTH NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONGRESS 233 



method of appraisal is regarded of importance, and is work to which much 

 thought should be given, since there now exists a wide range of opinions on the 

 proper method of appraising timber. 



An intelligent understanding of the conditions surrounding the harvesting 

 and manufacture of forest products is absolutely essential to a clear understand- 

 ing of the forest problems of a region. Not only is it desirable that present 

 methods should be discussed but also new or improved ones should be pointed 

 out since the latter will have a vital bearing on the possibility of operating suc- 

 cessfully and profitably under forest management. 



There is now a wide variance in the methods used in a given region, at 

 least so far as details of operation are concerned, and it is certain that the stand- 

 ardization of methods for given topography and stands would be of inestimable 

 value to the lumbermen of the region. Many lumbermen, because their knowledge 

 ni logging is limited to those methods common to a restricted area, have used and 

 still use methods which are not best adapted to their work, and in most cases 

 such men would welcome light on the methods employed by competitors in other 

 parts of their region. 



Cost-keeping methods are so varied in cjiaracter and so faulty in many ceses 

 that it is very desirable that the fundamental principles underlying costs and cost- 

 keeping methods should be carefully set forth. To do this will necessitate an 

 extensive investigation of present methods of cost-keeping and the preparation 

 of a standard form which may be modified to suit individual operations. Such 

 work could be best done by an accountant familiar with costs and cost-keeping 

 methods used in the industry. 



The present basis on which forest products, especially logs, are measured 

 are many, and there is a wide discrepancy in the measurement of logs by different 

 log rules. A thoroughgoing investigation of the methods of measuring all forms 

 of forest products and recommendations for a standard practice is very desirable 

 and this work could well be performed in connection with the other investigations 

 proposed. 



There is great need of authoritative data on markets and marketing, because 

 this phase of the lumber industry is concerned so largely with the lumber tariff, 

 lumber prices, and other problems of national interest and importance. If im- 

 partial facts in regard to this branch of lumbering had been available to the 

 public a few years ago there would not have been the charge of a "lumber trust" 

 made against the lumber manufacturers of the country, which created a some- 

 what hostile feeling in the public mind. 



An effort has been made only to sketch the possibilities of an investigation 

 of this character and to point out some of the benefits which would result from 

 it. It is believed that a report of the character outlined would prove of great 

 value to the conservation movement, and to lumbermen, foresters and others. 

 It is recommended that the future efforts of the sub-committee on lumbering be 

 devoted to this line of work. 



