228 REPORT OF THE 



For these reasons it is advised that the Spruce and Balsam timber on 

 this township be cut to a 6-inch Hmit. But it should be plainly under- 

 stood that a 6-inch limit on Spruce means that the timber shall be 

 actually cut to 6 inches in the top. and not cut to 7 or 8, as is usually the 

 case, unless there should be some very satisfactory reason therefor. Should 

 any timber over 6 inches in diameter at the small end, long enough to 

 yield a four-foot stick of pulp-wood. l)e left in the top, it should be scaled 

 double as a penalty for not taking it at first. The length of the top logs 

 can be varied by cutting them off at 10-, 12-, 14-, or 16-foot lengths, to 

 bring the cutting point in the tops to the desired place on the trees. The 

 tops might be cut to any smaller diameter by the contractor if he desired, 

 but, if cut smaller than the limit, should be scaled at the limit. For 

 example, if a Spruce log be cut to 5 inches at the top end, 16 feet long, 

 it should be taken as a 6-inch log. This rule should be applied to the 

 diameter limit on Pine, as far as practicable. 



A lo-inch limit at the top end is advised for the Pine. Pine logs are 

 not considered merchantable timber, in the generally accepted sense of the 

 word, when cut shorter than 10 feet in length and 10 inches in diameter 

 at the top end. It will therefore be necessary in cutting the Pine to allow 

 the lumberman to cut the logs into 10-, 12-, 14-, or 16-foot lengths, as the 

 particular tree being cut may require. In order to save timber, every Pine 

 tree .should be measured to the required diameter limit at the top before a 

 log is sawed ofif, and the length of the different logs should be varied on the 

 above mentioned lengths to bring the cutting point of the top log to the 

 required diameter limit in the top of the tree. By so doing, much valuable 

 timber would be saved, and if there were any visible defects in the tree they 

 would be found before the cutting up commences and the lengths could be 

 varied to remove them. 



Care in Felling, Skidding, and in Cutting Roads. 



It is easily possible to save a large amount of the smaller growth on 

 this tract by the exercise of a little care to fell the timber properly, and not 

 to break down the smaller trees when it could as well be avoided by throw- 

 ing the trees in the direction where there are the least number, or none, 

 of the more valuable species growing. This should always be done when 

 possible. The laying out of roads and skidways is another matter in which 

 the exercise of reasonable care, while it means no extra cost to the lumber- 

 man, would accomplish a great deal in the preservation of the young 



