CUTTING. 



Since it is always advisable to reproduce a eucalyptus grove by 

 means of stump sprouts, care should be taken that the trees are felled 

 between November and April, and that the stumps are cut low, 

 smooth, and slanting on top. When the cutting is done at the right 

 time the sprouts are vigorous and have time to harden, while the 

 roots are not exhausted. The stumps should be low, in order that 

 the new shoots may be forced to start close to the ground and 

 establish their own roots as soon as possible, and smooth and slanting, 

 so that rain water may not gather on them and hasten decay. When 

 the shoots reach a diameter of about 2 inches, all but three or four 

 of the straightest, most vigorous, and best placed ones should be cut 

 out from each cluster. This thinning should yield enough firewood 

 to pay for the cost, but whether it does or not it should not be 

 omitted, for it will cause the remaining shoots to grow much faster 

 by giving them more light and room. 



COST OF AND RETURNS FROM PLANTATIONS. 



Windbreaks are usually made without much reference to their cost, 

 for they are often indispensable. Woodlots, on the other hand, 

 should pay at least as much, either directly or indirectly, as the land 

 they occupy would yield in any other crop. 



The cost of establishing a plantation of blue gum will depend 

 largely upon local wages. The cost of maintaining it when once 

 established depends entirely on the rental value of the ground. The 

 following figures may be accepted as the average cost of establish- 

 ment for an acre in most localities. All expenses, with comjDOund 

 interest at 5 per cent, are carried to the time when the plantation is 

 12 years old and yields its first crop. 



Preparation of soil $7.00 



700 plants, at $8 per thousand 5.60 



Planting 4. 00 



Cultivating 5 times, first year 2,50 



19. 10 



Interest on $19.10 for 12 years • 15.20 



Cultivating 3 times, second year . 1.50 



Interest on $1.50 for 11 years ^_____ 1.06 



Total cost, excluding land rent, at end of 12 years 36.86 



Disregarding the small possible yield from thinnings before the 



main crop is mature, the wood that can be cut at the end of twelve 



years will probably amount to 60 cords. This will bring $3 per cord 



on the stump, or a gross income of $180. 



The net income at the end of twelve years is what remains after 



deducting the gross cost of the plantation exclusive of rent, $36.86, 



[Cir, 59] 



