TOP-LOPPING IN THE ADIRONDACKS 83 



piles of the larger poles, so that there is no material increase in the num- 

 ber of cords for which payment is received on account of turning in 

 the smaller sticks. This objection may hold good to a limited extent 

 but it is not beUeved to be generally applicable, since it is well known 

 that there is a larger loss in air space from piled small sticks than from 

 large ones. Where the operator is also the owner and operator of a 

 pulp mill this objection would entirely disappear since the small sticks 

 will unquestionably furnish a large amount of valuable pulp wood. 

 It is however, essential that at least the small sticks be peeled in the 

 woods, since poles cannot be rossed at the mill below 4 inches in dia- 

 meter. 



The utilization of short lengths of pulpwood, in addition to the pre- 

 sent practice of taking out only poles 13 feet or more in length, would 

 result in saving a great deal of material that now goes to waste, and 

 would faciHtate cutting to a smaller diameter limit in the top than is 

 now practicable. This would assist very materially in solving the prob- 

 lem along the lines discussed in the preceding paragraph. The utiliza- 

 tion of short lengths of limiber has been foimd entirely practicable, 

 and is in effect in Canada, though unfortunately in the United States 

 the strong attempt to seoure adoption by retailers failed of success. 

 It is probable, however, that under present conditions, not much is to 

 be looked for along this line in connection with pvilpwood, on accovmt 

 of the inconvenience in dealing with the odd lengths prior to their 

 reaching the ptilp mill. 



It shovdd be imderstood that the adoption of the so-called 3 -inch 

 diameter limit in connection with top-lopping operations is suggested 

 only as a possible measure of relief to meet the claim of excessive cost 

 by the operators. It is admittedly not quite as efficient in promoting 

 decay as the lopping of all branches, but it may certainly be maintained 

 with a good show of reason that the results from lopping tops below 3 

 inches are not worth the added cost to the private owner. 



One disadvantage of a 3 -inch diameter limit for top-lopping is the 

 fact that the small saplings cut out in cotmection with road work 

 would not be lopped, but would be thrown in wind-rows along the road- 

 sides, thus somewhat increasing the fire danger, and decreasing the value 

 of roads and trails as potential fire-lines. 



It may be argued, that, because some operators are now utilizing 

 material almost, or quite down to, 3 inches in the top, laws or regula- 

 tions requiring the lopping of tops are really unnecessary. It shotdd, 

 however, be remembered here that very many pulp operations do not 

 even approach a 3 -inch utilization, and that, it is still necessary to pro- 

 vide for control of the situation on Itunbering operations, where close 



