40 ANNUAL REPORT OF 



estimators, but incompetent estimators ; which shows 

 that political estimating of pine lands should cease at 

 once and forever. 



There are a number of qualifications to make a compe- 

 tent estimator. He should be an honest man. He should 

 be a cruiser, also have the qualifications of a surveyor 

 and of a lumberman. In short, he should be a forester. 

 There are competent estimators in this state, but their 

 services cannot be had for less than from $5 to |io a day 

 and their expenses paid. 



I have visited the proposed national park four different 

 times, and have traveled across it three times, and am 

 of the opinion that it contains in round numbers 100,000 

 acres of strictly "pine lands;" there may be a few thou- 

 sand acres more or less. And conceding that each forty- 

 acre tract will average 250,000 feet of pine, the aggregate 

 amount of stumpage would be 625,000,000 feet, which at 

 #4 per thousand feet, the present average value of stand- 

 ing pine in Minnesota, will amount to $2,500,000, to 

 which add $487, 237, the value of 389, 790 acres technically 

 designated "agricultural lands" at $1.25 an acre, gives 

 $2,987,000, or, in round numbers, $3,000,000 as the value 

 which the government would have to pay the Indians for 

 the proposed park. In all such dealings with the Indians 

 the government does not pay the principal until the end 

 of fifty years, but credits them with the amount and pays 

 them interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum. No 

 matter how valuable the park is, the more valuable it is 

 the better for all concerned. If a commission be ap- 

 pointed to treat with the Indians to buy this land in bulk 

 for park purposes, means will undoubtedly be provided at 

 the same time for a reliable estimate of its standing 

 timber. 



As I have said before, if the park be acquired it will be 

 managed on forestry principles. The mature pine will be 

 cut and honestly accounted for. Of course, some groves 



