THE SOUTHERN CYPRESS. 19 
tracts of cypress timbef. Seven sales in Louisiana in 1914, aggre- 
gating 45,000,000 feet were made at prices reported as ranging 
mostly from $3.50 to $8.25, but reaching nearly as low as $2 per 
thousand feet, probably by reason of some condition such as scattering 
or inaccessible stands. Over 270,000,000 feet in Florida, comprised 
in four tracts, sold in 1913 at prices reported as ranging mostly 
around $3 and $3.50 per thousand feet. Assuming an average cost 
of manufacture of $13 and a legitimate profit of $2.90 per thousand 
feet, on the basis of the average mill-run price in Louisiana in 1914, 
the operator is realizing $7.63 on his stumpage. A lower quality of 
standing timber, increased cost of manufacture, and lower average 
mill-run values will bring the returns from stumpage down to averages 
estimated mostly at $3.50 to $5.50 per thousand. It is apparent 
-. that at the present lumber prices, even with the upward tendency in 
cost of manufacture, prospective operators can afford to pay $6 to $8 
for good cypress stumpage and make a reasonably good net profit. 
_ LIFE HISTORY OF THE TREE. 
Cypress is a tree of ancient lineage. Forest remains show that, 
prior to the glacial period, cypress, along with the redwood, incense 
_ cedar, the ginkgo (now of China), and several hardwoods, grew 
in abundance in the Arctic regions of both North America and 
Hurope By subsequent climatic changes these species were 
driven southward along widely separated lines. The ginkgo 
descended the coast of China, the redwood the western coast of 
North America, and cypress the eastern coast to the warm south 
Atlantic and Gulf regions. 
BOTANICAL FORMS. 
Among botanists at least two forms of cypress are commonly 
recognized. These two forms overlap in geographical range and 
intergrade to such an extent that it is often difficult and sometimes 
impossible to distinguish between them. The differences, moreover, 
become less apparent as the tree increases in age. 
When found distinct, the main form is characterized by flat leaves 
arranged in two ranks along the horizontal branchlets, wide-spreading 
limbs, and thin, comparatively smooth bark. The most common 
type of the other form (Taxodwum distichum var. umbricarium Sarg.) ? 
is distinguished by its small, asicular or appressed leaves, smaller 
and more ascending branches and branchlets, and thick, strongly 
furrowed bark (Pl. X). . More recent investigation has added to 
the above some minor characteristics of the wood and differences 
in rate of growth, which are discussed elsewhere under appropriate 
1 Shaler, N. 8., Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Vol. XVI, No. 1, 
2 Variously held among botanists to be a variety or distinctive species. 
