METHOD OF RUNNING STRIP SURVEYS 



277 



intervals so as to be distributed uniformly over the area. Consider- 

 able errors may be incurred in bunching sample heights in timber which 

 may be too tall or too short 

 for the average of the stand. 



Where diameters and mer- 

 chantable heights are meas- 

 ured by the eye, the party is 

 usually reduced to two men, 

 one for the compass and map, 

 the other to record the dimen- 

 sions of the trees which he 

 estimates. It was a common 

 practice in the Lake States 

 in earlier days, for timber 

 cruisers to work alone without 

 the assistance of a compass- 

 man. The system of counting 

 timber and recording merely 

 the average dimensions and 

 volume enabled a man to run 

 his own compass, keep track 

 of his paces, and at the same 

 time count the trees. 



The record kept by cruis- 

 ers on strip estimating con- 

 sists primarily of a tally of 



the trees by diameter, height, or volumes direct; second, of the 

 cull, per cent; third, notes on damage to the stand; fourth, 

 quality of timber and grades; fifth, young timber and reproduction; 

 sixth, soil and ground cover. A report or summary sheet for each sepa- 

 rate unit, usually by forties, is worked out. The following headings 

 are submitted as samples (p. 278) : 



In the Appalachian region upwards of twenty species and a variety of products 

 may be estimated. For the hardwoods, volume tables based upon diameter and 

 merchantable log lengths are used. It has been found necessary to have available 

 a table for one- and two-log trees to avoid errors in inaccurately applying small top 

 diameters for these trees rather than the actual merchantable top. Cull is deducted 

 from each tree by reducing the D.B.H. or number of logs. An additional per cent 

 is deducted for unseen defects. The tally is coordinated with existing volume 

 tables to secure a record of lumber, cordwood (principally acid wood), poles, ties, 

 posts, or other products. An example of the tally form used is shown on p. 279. 



Fig. 58. — Staff compass. 



