MONTGOMEKY CoUNTY. 



101 



There is a constant decrease in the wooded area of this county, due 

 to the clearing of land, and while this at present is very gradual, it 

 seems likely to continue. There are, on the other hand, a few areas in 

 the southeastern part of the county which, once cleared and cultivat- 

 ed, are now growing up in pine. The small woodlots here are as a 

 rule better eared for than the larger tracts, for the farmer removes 

 only from time to time such material as firewood and a small amount 

 for building purposes, while in tracts of larger size the timber is 

 usually sold outright to sawmill operators, who cut practically every- 

 thing of value, and leave the remaining woodland in a depleted con- 

 dition. This practice of culling has been continued for several years, 

 and the quality of existing forests has in consequence manifested 

 steady deterioration. 



