TIMBER VALUATION 25 



Lake States stumpage prices vary from $9.86 to $3.48 or a dif- 

 ference of $6.38 or 180 per cent. The southern Appalachian 

 states show a variation of $2.61 or 96 per cent with a minimum 

 of $2.70 in Virginia and a maximimi of $5.31 in Maryland. These 

 prices are, however, of little value in arriving at a definite notion 

 of the average value of maple stumpage unless accompanied by 

 statistics showing the distribution of the standing timber. For 

 example, while the stumpage prices in Indiana are high there is 

 so httle timber that the effect upon the general level is negligible. 

 Frothingham's estimate of the total amount of stumpage shows 

 that the northeastern and Lake States contain 87 per cent of the 

 total stand. As a matter of fact, the hardwood t)TJe is relatively 

 unimportant in other parts of the country. 



Since these figures are of little value in determining the stimip- 

 age price on any particular tract it is necessary to supplement 

 them by logging costs and average selling prices. Average costs 

 of logging were as follows in 1915: 



PerM 



Felling $2.30 



Skidding 3 . 00 



Hauling to mill, 3 miles , 4.00 



Milling 4.00 



13 SO 



These costs are naturally higher than for softwoods because 

 hardwoods are heavier, crooked and generally more difficult to 

 handle. Even at the sawmill they cost more on account of their 

 hardness. Their proper seasoning is also more difficult since 

 they require closer sticking and more protection from the weather. 

 The softwoods mixed in amongst the hardwoods can be handled 

 for $3.00 to $4.00 per M less. Expressed in man hours and horse 

 hours per M the costs would be as follows: 



Man hours Horse hours 



Felling and bucking 6 



Skidding S 6 



Hauling to mill, 3 miles 10 20 



Milling 10 



31 26 



