230 REPORT OF THE 



logs are all carefully rolled upon it, is removed. The use of small Spruce 

 for building skidways, corduroys, and bridges should not be allowed, unless 

 it is impossible to find other timber of less \-alue within a reasonable dis- 

 tance, a condition very seldom found in the Adirondacks. If small Spruce 

 is used (except with the inspector's approval), it should be scaled at double 

 value; for example, a stick 14 feet long and 6 inches at the top end should 

 be scaled and charged against the person buying the stumpage as two 

 such sticks. There should also be the distinct understanding that no 

 smaller diameter limit than 6 inches will be figured, even on sticks of 4 

 inches in diameter, if cut from small trees without the consent of the 

 inspector. This may seem at first glance a very hard rule to impose upon 

 the lumberman; but a careful study of the conditions at present existing 

 on all the lumbering operations that have been looked over makes it very 

 evident that the inspector in charge of the proper lumbering of this tract 

 should have a right of this kind: This is necessary in order to protect the 

 State from the repeated small violations of the rules for lumbering, which, 

 while hardly of enough consequence singly to warrant an open rupture or 

 the breaking of the contract, would, if allowed to go on unchecked (as 

 would be quite likely unless there was a small penalty of this kind which 

 could be applied at once), very materially -nterfere with the proper lumber- 

 ing of the tract. The enforcement of this rule would give the inspector in 

 charge an opportunity to employ his own judgment in each case as to 

 whether or not it were necessary to use small Spruce. 



Lopping Tops. 



There has been a great deal of discussion throughout the Adirondacks 

 about the advisability of lopping tops when lumbering. Each side has its 

 supporters. It is noticeable, however, that the owners of the land, and all 

 who have a decided interest in the preservation of the forest, are usually in 

 favor of lopping tops, while those who are opposed to lopping tops are 

 almost certain to be either the persons who are compelled by contract or 

 agreement to do the lopping, or some of their friends, who have taken the 

 idea from them. There is no doubt that the proper lopping of tops is of 

 great importance in the matter of checking forest fires. When the limbs are 

 not lopped the tops are propped up from the ground by those underneath, 

 and during a dry time in the early spring or summer, especially before the 

 leaves are out, the small limbs and branches get exceedingly dry. If they 

 catch fire in this condition, they will burn very quickly, making a hot, flashy 



