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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE h^ ^
DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY
OF THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 1, 1906, TO JUNE 30, 1907
MAJOR GEORGE P. AHERN
DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY
69976
MANILA
BUREAU OF PRINTING
1908
Forestry
SP
CONTENTS.
vj
'Pi-
page.
^-. Report of the foresters' conference, with recommendations 5
Personnel 8
Reduction of Government charges 9
Forest Act does not apply to United States military reservations 9
The free-use privilege 9
A proposed amendment to the Free-Use Act 11
\ Free use of first-group timber in the Province of Cagayan 12
Large lumbering operations actual and possible 12
Norzagaray River improvement 13
Railway timber 13
\ Caiiigins 15
:^ Registration of private woodlands 16
Forest maps 16
^' Division of forest products 17
i Timber-testing laboratory 20
}. Ceylon Rubber Exhibition 21
^* Zamboanga Fair 21
^ Exhibit of forest products sent to the United States 21
Appendix :
r^ Statistics —
^ List of licenses 25
Utilization of forest products 26
Amount of timber taken out by leading licensees 27
Imports and exports 28
Applications for permits to make caifigins 28
Certification of agricultural or forest character of public land 29
Revenue 29
Expenditures 30
An available forest tract in Negros Occidental (with map) 32
An available forest tract in northeastern Mindoro (with map) 34
Report of an examination of pine lands in Benguet 36
3
l
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF
FORESTRY, FISCAL YEAR 1906-7.
Manila, P. I., June 30, 1907,
Sir: 1 have the honor to submit herewith a report of the work of
the Bureau of Forestry for the period July 1, 1906, to June 30, 1907.
The work during the past year has progressed much more satisfac-
torily than in former years. With two exceptions, the foresters have
completed two years of service in the districts under their charge and
all will continue service in that part of the Islands now so well known
to them. It takes a forester at least one year to make one thorough
inspection of his district where logging operations are being conducted.
REPORT OF THE FORESTERS' CONFERENCE.
[H. D. BvBRBTT, Recorder.}
The second annual conference of the foresters of the Philippine Bu-
reau of Forestry was held recently in Manila. This annual conference
of the directing members of the service, following the close of each
fiscal year, is becoming more useful and necessary each year in settling
the forest problems which arise in the different districts. The discus-
sion of forestry questions at this conference resulted in many recom-
mendations for the betterment of the service.
The Director of Forestry presided at the meeting and opened the
conference with an address on the work of the Bureau, reviewing the
former instructions given to the foresters and expressing his satisfaction
on the amount of work done during the year.
The following foresters were present : Messrs. William Klemme, Theo.
Zschokke, H. M. Curran, William H. Kobbe, F. L. Pray, M. L. Merritt,
and H. D. Everett. Messrs. Whitford and Hutchinson were unable to
attend, the former being absent on a vacation in the United States and
the latter being engaged in .an important piece of field work in Mindanao.
Each forester read his annual report, which was a progress report
showing what had been done in his district during the past fiscal year.
These were especially interesting as the past year was the first entire
year's work done by them since the reorganization of the Bureau in
1905, which made the work of the Bureau more technical than ad-
ministrative. The reports showed what had been done and how it had
been done, naturally causing much valuable discussion. In spite of
*6
the many diflBculties encountered by the foresters the amount of work
of permanent value accomplished was gratifying.
All reconnaissance sketch maps were left by each forester in the map
section for compilation, as well as information concerning means of
communication in their districts.
All applications for licenses for the coming year were submitted with
recommendations in each case.
A programme for the conference arranged the order in which the
topics for discussion would be taken up.
The conference then proceeded to discuss in detail all phases of the
present work, criticising methods and making many suggestions to in-
crease the efficiency of future work.
Eepresentatives of the Bureau of Internal Eevenue, Bureau of Lands,
Bureau of Science, and of the Manila lumbermen were present when
matters concerning their work were discussed.
Considerable attention was given to devising means of securing a
competent Filipino force to carry on the work which is becoming more
technical. As the establishment of a regular training school for rangers
is at present impracticable it was decided to secure student assistants
from the public schools, preferably the trade schools, who after they
have shown their capacity and fitness shall enter the service as rangers.
The most important work accomplished by the conference was the
reorganization of the field work of the Bureau. The title of the division
of forest products was changed to the "division of forest investigation"
and a new division was organized to be known as the "division of forest
administration.'^ Each division is under the charge of a committee of
three foresters which plans its work. The division of forest administra-
tion with a force of six foresters and about eighteen rangers will take
charge of the administrative work, such as pertains to licenses, violation
of the Forest Act, etc., and will also do as much special work of investiga-
tion as possible in cooperation with the division of forest investiga-
tion. The division of forest investigation with a field force of three
foresters and three rangers will carry on special studies and make special
maps in all parts of the Islands. By this new organization it is ex-
pected that the work can be done in a more systematic manner.
The privilege of the free use of timber which was granted to the
residents of the Islands October 19, 1905, for a period of five years was
discussed in great detail. In addition to the opinions of the foresters
on the question, letters were read from important lumbermen, dealing
with this privilege. The conference decided that the privilege as granted
without regulation or restriction, except regarding first-group timber,
not only made proper administration of the forest most difficult, but
also tended to establish a servitude or forest right which would be found
almost impossible to abolish after the lapse of years.
Homesteads and caingins (clearings) were thoroughly discussed as
usual. It was decided that radical changes were necessary. Permits
should no longer be required for caingins on private lands. On public
lands, few or no caingins should now be granted. People desiring to
make caingins should be required to make out homestead applications
for the land. In this way the Bureau will encourage permanent oc-
cupancy of small farms instead of shifting cultivation within the forest
regions.
Interesting additional recommendations whicli were discussed and
adopted show the character of the conference :
1. That the map work be pushed during the coming year in view of
its importance at this time. The principal mapping will be the land
classification or plot maps. In addition a beginning will be made in
establishing boundaries for possible future reserves. Detailed surveys to
be made of a few important cutting areas.
2. That every possible effort be made to assist Dr. Foxworthy, of
the Bureau of Science, by means of data and wood specimens, in making
a definite key for the determination of Philippine woods.
3. That collections of botanical, wood, and other museum specimens
be continued, but made with the least possible expense. That seeds
of the important trees be collected to be used in nursery experimentation
work on the Lamao Forest Reserve by Mr. Cuzner, of the Bureau of
Agriculture.
4. That identified railroad ties of the following species be secured
and placed in the track in cooperation with the Philippine Railway
Company, in order to secure definite information regarding their dura-
bility and fitness for this use: Toog, Dao, Apitong, Amuguis, Cubi,
Banuyo, Malaruhat, Agoho, Supa, Palo Maria, and Banaba.
5. That durability tests of Philippine timbers going into construc-
tion work be made whenever possible.
6. That the effort to introduce new species of timber into the markets
be continued.
7. That a strenuous effort be made to amend Act No. 1407, so that
the free use of lower group timber shall be regulated by the Bureau of
Forestry.
8. That permits be no longer required for clearings on private lands
adjoining the public forests.
9. That permits for caingins in the public forests no longer be given,
and that their place be taken by homesteads.
10. That, in order to encourage the utilization of small logs which
should be removed from the forest, each forester certify to the Bureau
of Internal Revenue those timber licensees in his district who can be
depended upon to cut small logs without felling trees below the diameter
limit imposed.
8
11. That each forester study the minor products collected in his
district and their market value in order to assist the Bureau of Internal
Revenue in imposing a specific tax on those forest products.
12. That efforts be made to introduce American saws, axes, engines,
wire cables, and other logging tools.
13. That timber licensees be required to mark their timber in the
forest with their own special mark.
14. That exclusive two-year timber licenses be granted to responsible
lumbermen when their cutting areas have been mapped and roughly
studied by a forester.
15. That foresters inspect personally the cutting areas of large oper-
ators, leaving only the inspection of unimportant licensees to rangers.
16. That the foresters make careful observations during the coming
year on the influence of deforestation on the climate and waterflow,
these observations to be embodied in their next annual report.
17. That the printed forms used by the Bureau be amended in such
a way as to lessen the paper work of the field force as much as possible.
18. That the Manila office take as much of the clerical work as pos-
sible from the district officers especially in regard to circular letters.
19. That certain forest reserves be recommended as soon as data are
at hand sufficient to limit their boundaries, and to justify the request
for their reservation.
20. That an educational propaganda be inaugurated. — first, through
the schools; second, by means of stereopticon lectures; third, through
the newspapers, and fourth, through general discussion.
21. That in order to arouse interest in Philippine forestry in the
United States, frequent articles or reports be sent to the American
forestry magazines for publication.
22. That a course of forestry be established in the new Philippine
College of Agriculture.
23. That a handbook of forestry for rangers be completed as soon
as possible by the committee on publication.
24. That the annual conference of Philippine foresters be held each
year in July, at which time all foresters can be assured of having at
least one month in the Manila office.
The following committees were appointed by the Director of Forestry.
Administration : H. D. Everett, William H. Kobbe, William Klemme.
Forest investigation : H. N. Whitford, H. M. Curran, M. L. Merritt.
Publication : H. N. Whitford, H. D. Everett, William Klemme.
PEKSOKNEL.
The authorized force of the Bureau is as follows : One Director ; field
force, thirteen foresters, six assistant foresters, twenty-three rangers;
one manager of timber-testing laboratory; clerical force, seven clerks,
one draftsman, two messengers, one laborer.
9
The following changes have taken place in the personnel during the
past fiscal year: Two appointments (probational), three temporary ap-
pointments, fourteen appointments (promotion), thirteen resignations,
one forester transferred from Bureau to United States Forest Service,
one ranger transferred from Bureau, three removals for cause, one death.
Several efforts have been made during the past year to secure four
foresters and one manager for the timber-testing laboratory; but one
forester was secured. The Civil Service Board reported that failure
was due to the small salaries offered.
REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT CHARGES ON TIMBER IN
CERTAIN PROVINCES.
Act No. 1575, amending the Forest Act (January 1, 1907), provides
but one scale of prices on Government timber in all provinces. Formerly
the Government charges on timber in certain provinces were almost
double that in others. The lower scale of prices was adopted. At
present the Government charge on timber ranges, approximately, from
$1 to $5, United States currency per thousand board feet.
PHILIPPINE FOREST ACT DOES NOT APPLY TO UNITED STATES
MILITARY RESERVATIONS.
The following letter was received during the month of November,
1906 :
War Departament, Bureau of Insular Affairs,
Washington, October 13, 1906.
Sir: With reference to letter from your office of the 7th of July inclosing
excerpt from the minutes of the Philippine Commission of July 3, 1906, which
quotes an opinion of the Attorney-General of the Philippines that the Commis-
sion has no authority to extend the forestry laws over the United States
reservations, and contains a resolution directing that the matter be submitted to
the Secretary of War for final determination, I have the honor to state that,
upon the request of this Department, the Attorney-General of the United States
has rendered an opinion in which he holds that the Philippine Government can
not extend its forestry laws to the military reservations in those Islands. A copy
of this opinion is herewith inclosed.
Very respectfully, A. D. WiLCJOX,
Chief Clerk, in absence of Chief of Bureau,
The Governor-General of the Philippines, Manila, P. I.
THE FREE-USE PRIVILEGE.
The free-use privilege has been the source of much complaint from
the lumbermen and from forest officers. In many cases it is impossible
to fix the blame for violating the Forest Act. The free-use men cut
when, virhat, and where they please. Undersized trees of the first and
other groups are taken; valuable trees will be felled and only a small
part of them utilized; valuable forest tracts are being devastated in
not a few but in many parts of the Islands, and it is impossible, in the
majority of cases, to fix the blame.
10
The residents of these Islands should be allowed to take all the timber
and other forest products they need for their own personal use, free of
charge and without license, but the Bureau of Forestry should be author-
ized to indicate to these people the forests where they can get these
products and the forests in which such free use is prohibited. The
matter was referred to a committee of three foresters to submit a report
which would include an amendment to Act No. 1407 granting the free-
use privilege.
The report submitted is as follows :
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FREE-USE PRIVILEGES.
It is the opinion of this committee that every home builder in the Philippine
Islands should have a similar privilege to that granted settlers in the vicinity of
national forests in the United States. There each settler is allowed an amount
of timber each year not to exceed a fixed amount, sufficient for his needs to be
used by him in house building, repairs, fencing, etc. To obtain this timber he
must apply to local forest officers and remove the material desired from such
places and in such a manner as not to injure the public forests.
A similar right has been granted the Flipino people, but without the restric-
tions necessary to insure the safeguarding of public interests. The Filipinos may
enter any public forest and cut such timber as they desire, without restriction as
to amount or sizes. Twelve of the more valuable woods, comprising what is
known as the first group, are protected by the present law, but these, as a group,
furnish less than one-sixth of the total cut of the Islands, and the greater part
of this one-sixth is from three to four species cut in the more inaccessible and
thinly inhabited regions. In the thickly populated districts these twelve timbers
have almost disappeared, and the bulk of the cut comes from lower group trees.
It is from these species of the lower groups that the future supplies of the
Islands must be drawn. They are of more importance to the agricultural and
commercial development of the Islands than the first-group timbers.
Rapid economic development depends on cheap construction timbers, and not
on fancy woods or expensive woods suited to special uses. Timber that will
furnish the necessary construction timbers for Philippine industrial development
are found in the existing forests but are being rapidly destroyed by the present
unrestricted cutting.
We are required to-day to carefully inspect and regulate the cutting of one
thousand timber licensees whose work is, in the main, satisfactory and is not
materially injuring the forests, and we are forbidden to interfere with the cutting
of a population of seven millions, of whom one and one-half millions are grown
males. These men may enter the forests, cut and wAste at will the principal
timber resources of the Islands.
The Bureau of Forestry was called into existence to perpetuate the forests by
wise use; to give to the people of these Islands timber and fuel supplies for all
time, and to saf^uard its agriculture by caring for watershed forests. Under
the present law the hands of the Bureau are tied, and the policy as unbodied in
this law, allowing the free unrestricted use of timber, if persisted in, means the
ultimate waste and destruction of the Islands' timber resources, and a checking
of itsr future economic development.
11
In view of the shortcomings of the present law, its amendment is suggested.
This amendment should contain such part of the following rough draft as, in the
opinion of the Philippine Ck>mmission, may best protect the public interests and
aid in home building:
AN ACT amending subsections (&) and (c) of section nine of Act Numbered Fourteen
hundred and seven, so as to permit the free use of forest products and providing for
the regulation thereof.
By authority of the United States, be it enacted by the Philippine Commission,
that :
Section 1. Subsections (6) and (c) of section nine of Act Numbered Fourteen
hundred and seven be, and the same are hereby, amended so as to read as
follows :
"Sec. 9. (b) Every resident living in or near the public forests, and who is
in need of building material, fuel, fencing, or other forest products, stone, or
earth, for the personal use of himself or his family, may, without written permit,
enter such public forest as the Director of Forestry, with the approval of the
Secretary of the Interior, shall designate, and may remove, free of charge, an
amount of timber not to exceed fifteen cubic meters in any fiscal year, and such
amount of other products as is actually necessary for his personal use. The
Director of Forestry, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, shall
prescribe species, sizes, and manner of removal of forest products, stone, or earth,
and may, if the public interests demand it, withhold from any individual the
right, imder this act, to the free use of timber in the public forests.
" (c) The Director of Forestry, with the approval of the Secretary of the
Interior, may from time to time set aside certain tracts of public land, which
shall be known as communal forests, and be assigned to certain communities,
whose free-use privilege shall be confined solely to these areas, subject to the
limitations prescribed in subsection (5). These forests shall be on lands more
suitable for forestry than for agriculture, and shall be administered by the
Director of Forestry, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, under
such rules and regulations as he may deem wise. The object of the administration
of these communal forests shall be to furnish the people having rights therein
with the forest products necessary for their home use, and to preserve their water
supply. Exploitation of said communal forests for revenue shall be allowed only
when the best interests of the forest demand a cutting in excess of local needs.
Such exploitation for revenue shall be under license as in other public forests, and
forest charges shall be collected in the usual manner, and covered into the
Treasury of the Philippine Islands. These revenues to be returned to the com-
munity having rights in the given forest, and be devoted, under the direction of
the Secretary of the Interior, acting with the advice of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction, to the public education of the community and the improve-
ment and preservation of its forests."
Sec. 2. The public good requiring the speedy enactment of this bill, the
passage of the same is hereby expedited in accordance with section two of "An
act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of
laws," passed September twenty-sixth, nineteen hundred.
Sec. 3. This act shall take effect on its passage.
12
FKBB USE OF FIRST-GBOUP TIMBER IN THE PROVINCE
OP CAGAYAN.
On January S, 1907, a resolution was passed by the Philippine Com-
mission granting authority to any resident of the Province of Cagayan
to take free of Government charge, under Government license for one
year, certain timbers of the first group as he may require for house-
building, boat building, and other personal use of himself and family.
The forester in charge of this district reports that this privilege has
been abused ; that the rich residents only are taking advantage of it and
that much valuable undersized timber is being taken, contrary to law.
After this resolution was published six other provinces presented
petitions for the free use of the first-group timber, but these petitions
were not granted.
liARGE LUMBERING OPERATIONS ACTUAL. AND POSSIBLE.
At least six large logging and lumber companies are needed in these
Islands to exploit forest tracts now available for operations; but one
such, The Insular Lumber Company, is now operating on the Island of
Negros. This company has a twenty-year exclusive privilege on a tract
of 69 square miles and will shortly log and mill approximately 60,000
to 70,000 board feet per day. Five or more such companies are needed
in the Islands to supply the local and foreign markets with timber at
more reasonable prices than rule at the present time.
Improved methods of forest exploitations by a few additional large
companies would simplify the work of the present small force of forest
officers. The thinly forested regions would then be used only as sources
of supply for the local demand, and the few remaining valuable timber
trees in such localities could be protected and retained as centers of
reproduction.
At the present time the Philippine market will consume approximately
100,000,000 feet of lumber per year. The amount of Oregon Pine taken
last year at Shanghai, China, was 85,000,000 feet ; at Sydney, Australia,
65,000,000 feet. These three markets should take at least 300,000,000
feet per year of Philippine timber of a grade similar to or better than
Oregon Pine.
In the forest tracts now available there are large stands of timber
close to tide-water. The haul is short, labor is cheap, and stumpage
charges are low.
There are a few native woods found in large quantities that are suit-
able for the making of furniture. These woods should find a market
in the United States as well as in the other markets mentioned.
Desirable tracts of public forests are now available and unoccupied
in Mindoro, Bataan, Negros Occidental, and Moro Provinces. Maps
of these districts have been made and estimates prepared, showing the
13
stand, varieties of merchantable timber, possibilities of logging, etc.
(See Appendix.)
The services of forest officers thoroughly acquainted with each tract
will be placed at the disposition of prospective logging companies.
XORZAGAKAY RFV^R IMPROVEMENT.
Forest officers have reported from time to time that large stands
of valuable timber were found on the upper waters of the Bayabas and
Norzagaray Rivers in Bulacan Province. This region is close to the
Manila market, but the forests were not exploited to any extent on ac-
count of huge bowlders in the rivers mentioned which obstructed the
passage of rafts.
A forester of this Bureau made an investigation and report. The
matter was taken up with the governor of the province and with the
Bureau of Public Works.
The work of removing these obstructions was promptly inaugurated
by the Bureau of Public Works under authority of a resolution of the
Philippine Commission. In a letter from the provincial governor this
office was informed that the obstructions have been removed.
This adds much to the available forest resources of the Province of
Bulacan.
RAILWAY TIMBER.
Railway construction in the Islands has proven a great stimulus to
the timber industry. The railway officials are making an effort to secure
native timber when possible.
Act No. 1510 of the Philippine Commission gives the railway com-
panies permission, with the approval of the Governor-General, to take
timber, stone, and earth from the public lands. Act No. 1544 exempts
all such material from internal-revenue taxes, provided the material
is taken under license issued by this Bureau.
The railway companies require a large amount of timber for general
construction as well as for ties, but find much difficulty in securing it
from timber licensees. A glance at the page in the appendix to this
report giving the list of amounts of timber taken under license last
year by the twenty leading operators will indicate a reason for the
difficulty.
The antiquated methods of logging in vogue in these Islands by all
but one operator will force the railway companies to look to foreign
countries for its timber unless some of the timber licensees adopt modern
methods.
Forest officers have endeavored to interest the licensees in furnishing
material for the railways. Many licensees lacking experience in making
ties have found that the proposition is not as lucrative as it at first
appeared.
14
Forester Everett, who has charge of the forests of the Visayan Is-
lands where there is much activity in railway construction, makes the
following statement as part of his annual report.
RAILROAD TIES.
The cutting of railroad ties has been studied with considerable care by the
forester and discussed in several monthly reports. Its importance deserves dis-
cussion in this report.
In October, 1906, the forester received copies of the proposition and specifica-
tions of the Philippine Railway Company for ties with instructions from the
Director of Forestry to interest timber licensees, as it was very desirable that
Philippine timber be used in the new railroads as far as possible.
After reading the proposition the forester could only think that the Philippine
Railway Company did not want to use native woods for ties and had issued a
request for them for policy sake only. Nevertheless, the forest officers of the
district have devoted time and effort to stimulate the tie-cutting industry, and
the Bureau of Forestry in general has done everything possible to assist the
railway company in securing ties in the Islands. Timber licenses have been
granted without question to all who had made tie contracts.
Contracts were made by many licensees in the district and cutting began with
enthusiasm. After eight months I believe that tie cutting has almost stopped in
this district. The contractors have found it a dangerous and losing business,
for the following reasons: (1) The scarcity of the seven kinds of wood which
alone are accepted; (2) the severe inspection of the ties by the railway company
and lack of a market for the rejected ties; (3) the low price offered for such
valuable timbers in the form of ties.
There is little doubt that the Philippine Islands can and should furnish the
ties for the new railroads. Of what value is the boasted forest wealth of the
Islands if the railroad timbers are imported from the United States and Australia ?
The Government should investigate the matter before permitting the importa-
tion of railroad timbers and discover conclusively why they can not be secured in
the Islands.
The fault, in my opinion, will not lie in the restrictions of the Bureau of
Forestry, does not lie in the nonproductiveness of our forests, and does not lie
in the inefficiency of our people, but lies in' the proposition of the railway
company. Given a suitable proposition and inspection, there will be little
difficulty in securing the necessary timber in the Islands. The present proposition
should be amended (1) in regard to price, (2) in regard to classes of timber,
and (3) in regard to the inspection.
One peso and sixty centavos is paid for ties made from Molave, Dungon, Ipil,
Tindalo, Yacal, Acle, and Betis delivered on the right of way or in Iloilo and
Cebu. It must be borne in mind that the Visayan roads will not pass through or
very near any forests where such ties can be cut. Consequently the ties are cut
in distant forest regions and transported at high cost to Iloilo and Cebu. One
peso and thirty centavos is offered for ties placed in lots of 1,000 or more on
board a boat of the company. I know of no contract made in this district imder
these terms, as the company prefers the ties delivered by the contractors, and
few contractors can get 1,000 ties ahead in one place for evident reasons.
In discussing the question of price, take a fair example: A licensee has put
i^ all his available capital and six months of his time and has delivered 1,000
ties in Iloilo at the total cost to him of n,000. Seven hundred ties are
15
accepted at ^1.60 each and 100 at ^.80, the remaining 200 are rejected and
he pays 16 centavos Grovernment charges on each of them and is lucky to sell
them for M.60 each. He receives a total of Fl,270. He sees that by six
months' hard work, employing a capital of more than ^1,000 and undergoing
considerable risk, he has made !P^70, or ^45 a month wages, with no interest on
his capital, and he is fortimate to have done so well. Then he figures on Molave
logs. Molave brings ?1 per Spanish cubic foot in the log. A log containing
12 cubic feet would not make more than four ties. For the log he would receive
?'12 in Iloilo, and if he worked it up into ties he would get M.40. Consequently
many who began cutting ties have changed to cutting logs for the general market.
2. CLASSES OF TIMBEB.
Anyone familiar with the forests and timbers of the Philippine Islands rec-
ognizes the absurdity of accepting only seven classes of railroad ties. Not only
are there other timbers suitable for railroad ties, but confining the list to those
seven makes logging so difficult and costly that they can not be cut for the price
offered. Further, it is doubtful if there is sufficient accessible timber of those
kinds in the Visayas to furnish enough ties for the Panay, Negros, and Cebu
railroads.
3. INSPECTION.
The inspection of ties has not been sufficiently liberal in view of the fact that
tie cutting is a new industry in the Philippine Islands, but has been so strict
as to discourage the contractors, when a little more consideration and liberality
would have done much to have kept them satisfied with terms otherwise so
unsatisfactory. One licensee arrived in Iloilo with 650 ties, the result of five
months' hard work on a wild coast. Four hundred and fifty were rejected
because they were Banuyo. Now although Banuyo is not included in the contract
its general reputation for durability is such that it would have been better to
have accepted those 450 ties and kept a contractor than to have almost ruined
him by rejecting them.
The purchasing agent for the Philippine Railway Company, upon
receipt of the above extract, attended the foresters^ conference and dis-
cussed the matter of securing railway material. It was recommended
by the foresters that "additional woods be given a trial as ties.''
A list of such woods was submitted and the railway company agreed
to test them if the foresters would cooperate in securing the desired
number. The division of forest investigation will attend to this matter
during the coming year.
caiiTgiks.
Forest Regulation Ko. 25, paragraph A, authorized municipal pres-
idents, in absence of a forest oflBcer, to grant permits to make caingins
(clearing by fire) on public lands. This oflBce was advised from various
sources that the municipal presidents were not careful in carrying out
this regulation and that much valuable timber was needlessly destroyed
as a result thereof.
The regulation was amended on December 6, 1906, by authority of
the Acting Secretary of the Interior. At present municipal presidents
are authorized under the law (sec. 27 of the Forest Act) to grant caingin
permits on private woodlands adjoining public forests.
16
There is no further necessity for granting caingin permits ; the Home-
stead Law is very liberal and gives any resident of the Philippine Islands
much latitude in selecting a location.
The only persons authorized to grant caingins on public lands (forest
officers) will assist any resident in securing a homestead rather than
granting a caingin permit. In the records of this Office there is a list
of persons granted caingin permits and homesteads during the past
two years. This list is so indexed that a check may be readily kept on
persons making caingins each year or two.
These devastators of the forest will travel for many miles from their
barrios to the edge of the forest and begin operations by ringing the
tall trees, later felling and burning them. The ash makes a good fer-
tilizer, the soil is loose, and plowing with a stick is all they deem neces-
sary; a small amount of rice is planted and a very small crop is raised.
In a year or two the tall cogon grass begins to appear and forces the
man, who will not even attempt to plow it out, to move once more into
the heavy timber and repeat the former operation.
The maps now on file in this Office show in color a vast area of such
land.
Should a person desire to purchase public land in a region where
caingins had been made he would be informed that a large part of such
devastated land was private property and claimed by the persons above
mentioned although no taxes had ever been paid or other previous claim
made by them.
REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE WOODLANDS.
During the fiscal year 1907, titles to twenty private woodlands were
registered in the Bureau of Forestry in accordance with section 24 of
the Forest Act. The total area of the estates registered is 135,880.42
hectares, of which 68,222 represented the appximate area of woodland.
Thirteen of the estates registered during this period are part of the
estates belonging to what is known as the "friar lands" recently pur-
chased by the Philippine Government.
Up to the present time 169 estates with more or less woodland have
'been registered in this Office comprising a total area of 283,693 hectares
or approximately 700,000 acres.
FOREST MAPS.
The ten forest districts of the Archipelago are divided into plots of
10 kilometers square and each square given a number. Forest officers
use as points of reference the places in the district that have been fixed
by the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Each forester while traveling in his district makes constant use of
a topographical notebook, compass, and barometer; a reconnaissance
sketch is made on each 10 by 10 kilometer sheet as he passes from
17
square to square. At this time the limits of the forests are noted, also
the limits of the cultivated and uncultivated lands, condition of roads,
trails, streams, etc. The original sheets thus plotted are sent to the
Manila office. Copies are retained by each forester. The Filipino forest
officers are being trained in this class of work and are making satisfac-
tory progress.
More detailed surveys are made of special forest tracts by an assistant
forester who is a competent topographical engineer. On these tracts
careful forest studies are made by a field force consisting of one or more
foresters, tlie rangers of the locality, and the necessary laborers.
These reports are prepared for the special use of prospective logging
companies.
DIVISION OF FOUEST PROIIUCTS.
On July 25, 1906, the division of forest products was established.
The object of the division is to investigate the amount, character, value,
and uses of the Philippine forest products, and to bring this informa-
tion to the notice of Philippine and foreign markets. As the records
for the past years showed considerable partially classified information,
it was necessary to collect and systematize this, and to prepare such
part of it for publication as was deemed advisable. In accordance with
this, the work of the division has been concentrated along the following
lines :
I. Preparation for the printer of data collected for publication.
II. Classification and cataloguing of reports on liand.
III. Collection of mu?eum samples of forest products.
IV. Durability tests.
V. Forest investigation.
I. PREPARATION FOR THE J'RINTER OF DATA COLLECTED VOll 1»UBLICAT10N.
The following, issued in December, 1906, were prepared for publication :
Bulletin Xo. 4- — I. Mechanical Tests, Properties, and Uses of Thirty Philippine
Woods. II. Philippine Sawmills, Lumber Market and' Prices. By Holland
Gardner, manager of the timber-testing laboratory.
Bulletin No. 5. — Preliminary Working Plan for the Public Forest Tract of
the Insular Lumber Company, Negros Occidental, P. I., by Foresters Everett and
Whitford.
Bulletin No, 6, — Preliminary Working Plan for the Public Forest Tract of
the Mindoro Lumber and Logging Company, Bongabon, Mindoro, P. I., by
Foresters Merritt and Whitford.
Circular A o. i.— Opportunities for Lumbering in the Philippine Islands.
The following bulletin will be ready for publication in the near
future: "Preliminarv^ Check List of the Principal Timber Trees in the
Philippine Islands.'^
The following bulletins are in process of construction: "The First
Ten Timber Trees of the Philippine Islands;" Some Philippine Forest
69976 2
18
Types and Their Coniiuercial Possibilities;" "A Ranger^s Primer of
Forestry."
A second edition of Bulletin No. 4 has been prepared and sent to the
Bureau of Printing.
II. CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING OF REPORTS ON HAND.
The classification and cataloguing of reports collected during the five
years^ existence of the Bureau^ up to July 1, 190G, meant the personal
inspection, by the chief of the division of forest products, of all informa-
tion collected covering the subject of forest products up to that date.
This information is filed and indexed.
Papers on special subjects are filed as labeled. iVU material in the
division of forest products has been thoroughly catalogued, each having
one or more cards.
In both published and unpublished literature on the subject, a list
of synonyms has been made for the principal timber trees of the Islands.
This has been put on cards and placed in the general catalogue. In
like manner, another series of cards show the uses of the different woods.
The cards referring to the museum specimens of minor forest products
have also been placed in this catalogue.
To sum up, the general catalogue contains the following: (a) Cards
showing all subjects pertaining to the division of forest products found
in the unpublished papers of the records; (b) cards with synonyms of
the principal timber trees; (c) cards showing uses of the principal
woods; (d) cards of minor forest products in the museum. At present
there are approximately 5,000 cards in the general catalogue.
III. COLLECTION OF MUSEUM SAMPLES OF FOREST PRODUCTS.
LOO SPECIMENS.
With few exceptions, each wood specimen now in the museum consists
of what can be designated as log specimens, with one or more hand
specimens. The log specimens are divided into three sizes:
(a) Large; specimens 3 feet in height and from 10 to 25 inches in
diameter, cut to show bark and cross, radial, and bevel sections.
(b) Medium; specimens 2 feet 4 inches in height and 6 to 12 inches
in diameter, cut as above.
(c) Small; specimens 9 to 18 inches in height, cut as above, or smaller
ones cut in various sizes.
These specimens are to be arranged, first, according to sizes, those of
each size according to group, and within the group according to scientific
names. The arrangement by scientific names is preferable to the use of
common names, because specimens of more than one common name would
otherwise become separated.
19
All specimens have labels giving information concerning its origin,
herbarium number, uses, value, and quantity available.
The object of the wood collection is to obtain eventually authentic
specimens of all the timber trees of the Islands and to make them as
useful as possible to those interested in the wood and lumber industries
of the Islands. The following is the present status of the wood collec-
tion: Total number of samples on hand, 3,235; total number of species
represented, 336.
BEJUCOS.
The arrangement and numbering of the specimens of bejuco have been
little disturbed. Catalogue cards have been made out containing such
information as has been gathered concerning them. These cards have
been inserted in the general catalogue and may be found under the com-
mon names of the bejuco desired.
Within the past year a number of commercial bejucos have been col-
lected in fruit. As soon as the collection is sufficiently large it will
serve as a basis for structural study, the results of which will make it
possible to classify more satisfactorily the commercial collection.
Bejucos with botanical specimens are given the regular herbarium
number.
Bejuco Ijuyers for the American market have examined the large line
of specimens in the museum. Preferred species liave been noted. Prices
quoted have been added to other information on the label. There are
a number of desirable furniture bejucos in the Islands and an endeavor
will be made to find a market for them. At present the principal use
of Philippine bejuco is for baling purposes.
OTHER MINOR FOREST PRODUCTS.
The minor forest products other than bejucos had already been given
a serial number, beginning* with one. These numbers were retained.
The whole collection was arranged in uniform boxes of three sizes. The
exhibit was then arranged in groups under the following heads : "Alma-
ciga,'' "Brea,^^ "Rubber (including gutta-percha)," and "Miscellaneous.'^
Each specimen has the number pasted on it, a display card, and a
catalogue card. The latter may be found in the general index. Minor
forest products, with botanical material, are given herbarium numbers.
DURABILITY TESTS.
With the issuance of Circular Xo. 7, dated October 24, 1906, there
was inaugurated a system of labeling timber used in certain classes of
construction. Arrangements have also been made with the Bureau of
Public Works, the Bureau of Posts, and the railway companies to aid
in this work. The object of these tests is to obtain more accurate in-
formation concerning the durability of Philippine timbers. Reports of
tests with wood samples are given a special file.
20
FOREST INVESTIGATION.
During the fiscal year the following papers have been prepared that
add materially to our . knowledge concerning the Philippine forests and
their products.
I. Report on examination of pine lands, Province of Benguet. Forester H. M.
Curran. (See Appendix.)
II. A preliminary examination of the forests of the Kabibihan River basin,
Province of Tayabas, P. I., with map. Forester William H. Kobbe.
III. Report on forest conditions in the mining region of Aroroy, Masbate,
P. I., with map. Foresters F. L. Pray and H. N. Whitford.
IV. An available forest tract in Negros Occidental, with map. Forester H. D.
Everett. ( See Appendix. )
V. Report on the forests of Danao, Cebu, and timbers used by the Insular
Lumber Company, with map. Forester H. D. Everett.
VI. A progress report on the investigation of Philippine timbers. R. Gardner.
(Included in second edition of Bulletin 4.)
VII. An available forest tract in northeastern Mindoro, with map. Forester
M. L. Merritt. ( See Appendix. )
The work of this division has been so satisfactory and its scope has
so broadened that it has been decided to change its title to "division of
forest investigation/^
TIM BER-TESTING LABORATORY .
The manager of the timber-testing laboratory resigned in February,
having completed three years' service. He accepted a position with the
Philippine Eailway Company, receiving a substantial increase in salary.
During the year eleven native timbers and four Japanese woods received
a series of tests.
A large number of log and other smaller wood specimens were prepared
in the laboratory for the museum of this Bureau.
On December 4 the manager of the timber-testing laboratory was, at
the request of the Secretary of Public Instruction, sent to Bacolod, Iloilo,
Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, and Lucena for the purpose of inspecting the
timber being used in the construction of schoolhouses at the places men-
tioned. There was a dispute as to the classes of wood used in con-
struction. The contractors offered to pay all expenses if this Office
would send a wood expert to make an examination and report. The
examination and report showed that in certain places inferior woods not
called for in the specifications and inferior grades of the woods called
for were being used.
21
CEYLON RUBBER EXHIBITION.
A representative of the Bureau was sent to attend the Ceylon Rubber
Exhibition held at Peradeniya, Ceylon, September 13 to 27, 1906.
Specimens of Philippine rubber and gutta-percha and copies of all in-
formation with reference to this industry in the Philippine Islands were
taken as exhibits. In his report he states "The Philippine exhibit, which
was distinctly different from any other shown, attracted considerable
attention and favorable comment."
Valuable information was secured with reference to the best methods
of planting rubber, when and how to tap rubber trees, the preparation
of the rubber for commercial use, etc.
He also purchased for the museum of this Bureau a set of the instru-
ments used by rubber planters, samples of the best grade of rubber, and
a set of interesting photographs showing the various stages of the rubber
industry.
ZAMBOANQA FAIR.
An exhibit of wood samples and minor forest products common to
Moro Province was prepared and exhibited at the Zamboanga Fair, held
in Zamboanga, February 12 to 15, 1907.
EXHIBIT OF FOREST PRODUCTS SENT TO THE UNITED STATES.
An exhibit of forty large wood samples, a set of minor forest products,
and several sets of publications of the Bureau were prepared and shipped
to the Pacific Commercial Museum at San Francisco, Cal.
George P. Ahern,
Director of Forestry.
The Secretary of the Interior,
Manila, P. L
APPENDIX.
23
STATISTICS.
List of Hcf'tises, July /, 1i)0ii, to June .W, 1901.
Tim
ber.
By sub-
ordi-
nates.
-_
--
T
26
12
38
fi
7
3
Firev
By Bu-
reau.
6
10
3
5
1
1
6
3
1
1
vood.
By sub-
ordi-
nates.
7
22
13
31
5
3
17
18
31
8"
Gratuito\i8.
Minor products.
Total.
44
56
20
106
21
42
121
68
117
17
67
19
54
79
48
18
111
24
221
118
149
10
22
74
28
2
181
42
28
16
88
18
40
170
181
11
26
48
Province.
By Bu-
reau.
24
15
3
49
13
20
36
27
42
6
31
2
13
20
15
10
36
17
41
26
44
8
11
13
4
1
36
11
10
8
18
8
20
47
42
6
20
24
By Bu-
reau.
By sub-
ordi-
nates.
By Bu-
reau.
By sub-
ordi-
nates.
Tift T^ftgiinft
8
8
4
6
1
17
Rlzal
Cavite
2
2
2
6
10
2
2
8
4
3
1
7
1
1
6
1
3
1
2
Pampanga
Bulacan
4
11
10
46
8
15
is"
Zambales _
Tarlac
Pangasinan
Beuguet
1
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Viscaya
Ilocos Norte
1
Ilocos 8ur
22
2
5
Lepanto Bontoc
Union »
Cagayan
9
38
1
28
1
87
64
50
Isabela ._
Tayabas
27
3
7
T
65
32
43
7
8
83
15
Camarines
i
Mindoro
Batangas
Rombion
8
24
1
1
42
10
6
Hollo
4
1
2"
Caplz -..
Antique
NegroB Occidental
Negros Oriental
Cebu
1
13
5
51
6
3
7
12
5
5
31
21
1
1
8
2
Bohol
LeTte -
1
7
4
4
47
de
8
1
14
Samar
1
5
18
2
Albay
2
2
10
1
4
28
Borsogon
7
4
Moro
Mi<WTnis
Surigao
2
1
1
Palawan
1
Total -
760
237
67
535
75
39
64
556
2,828
Timber licenses granted in former fiscal years.
Year.
By Bureau.
By subordi-
nates.
1906
1,068
1.177
1,027
988
872
216
494
804
1905 -'-
1904.. _. -.
1908 - -
1902 —
,
25
26
Report of the utilization of forest prodixcts from publi.e lands on which the Government
charges have been collected from July 1, 1906 ^ to June 30, 1907.
Province.
Timber.
Lower
groups.
Minor products.
First
group.
Total.
Firewood.
Charcoal.
Albay _._
Cu. meters.
115
212
Cu. meters.
680
2,027
Cu. meters.
795
2,239
Cu. meters.
880
5,351
146
32,241
955
3
194
10,660
670
7,844
3,187
2,632
317
8,695
15,084
30
1,665
Cm. meters.
Ambos Camarines
Antique
Bataan
21
23
12,639
19
996
511
3, 249
543
44
174
392
45
749
53
375
1,360
6
1,059
7,151
26
1,964
5,955
20
228
12,560
42
995
663
3,299
2,051
44
176
492
158
1,007
225
940
1,368
16
1,215
8,610
36
2,572
6,078
114
484
7
3,151
799
1,404
67
523
75
2,821
163
1,128
7,784
183
3,281
899
Batangas
Beng^et. > _
Bohol _
142
50
1,508
Bulacan
320
Ca^ayan
Capiz__ _
Cavite _
Cebu
2
100
113
268
172
565
8
10
156
1,459
10
608
123
94
256
7
3,096
4
452
6
6
33
1,440
84
101
2,928
83
90
88
390
Ilocos Norte -
Ilocos Sur
Hollo
4m
Isabela
La lAguna .^^ .. ,.,. „
Lepanto Bon toe
Leyte
5,158
4,902
117
3,209
7,446
6,454
60
Mindoro
5
Misamis- _ _
Moro
Negroe Occidental
Negros Oriental _ . _ _ .
Nueva Ecija
NuevaVizcaya
Palawan
55
795
952
61
517
42
1,381
79
1,027
4,856
100
3,191
274
12,909
5,096
16,851
PamDanira
146
245
Pangasinan
Rizal
Romblon _
Samar
441
4,528
437
3,121
14,429
Sorsogon _
1
Surigao
Tarlac
19
Tayabas
Union -
1,173
833
Total
14,335
53,220
67,555
176,569
8,351
Province.
Tan bark.
Dye bark.
Wood oils.
Rattan.
Gum
mastic.
Albay
QuinUiU.*
Quintals.*
LUers.
Pieces.
1,170,900
11,692.074
39,000
3,732,417
137,890
38,000
1,017,200
4,537,800
Quintals.*
100
308
Ambos Camarines .
Antique
9
40
Bataan __
Batangas.
"~" 8 "
1
Bohol - - -
12
Bulacan
26
225
83
113
Caaravan
Caplz
117
612
1,098
Cebu -. —
529,550
6,480
177,350
64,800
866
Ilocoe Norte
Ilocos Sur
Iloilo
6
Isabela
• Metric quintal of 220.46 pounds.
27
Report of the utUizaiion of forest products from public lands on which tlie Government
charges have been collected from July i, 1906 y to June SO, iPO/— Continued.
Province.
Tan bark.
Dye bark.
Wood oils.
Rattan.
Gum
mastic.
Lift Ija.finiii&
Quintaia.*
Quintais.*
Liters.
Pieces.
600,800
2,676,880
886,030
878,412
1,685,600
2,605,600
1,776,100
867,482
471,800
402,700
2,085,620
Quintals.*
Leyte
497
2,902
1,128
Mindoro
409
M1WTf|i«
Moro -
2,622
676
69
226
127
154
1,038
4,884
16
2
Negroe Occidental
4,811
5,283
NegTos Oriental . -
Nuevft Ecija
Palawan _____
811
Pangasinan
10
Rlzal
Romblon..
8
57
1,214
70
31
219
98
Samar _
2
48,000
9,409,050
284,150
61,858
1,029,740
1,615,880
Sorsofiron
6
4
Surigao _ _-
Tarlac - _ -
Tayabas
287
543
Zambales
Total -
9,328
1,902
12,941
50,078,719
6,225
« Metric quintal of 220.46 pounds.
Gutta-percha and rubber metric quintals.. 942
Dyewood, Province of Iloilo _ do 83,841
Pitch _— _ _ do-— 404
Gogo -do 181
Diliman (vine for fish traps) „ pieces— 126,160
Stone do — 642
Do__ - _ — — - cavanes— 318
Earth „ _ ollas.. .55
Amount of titnher taken out by leading licensees during the fiscal year 1906-7.
Licensee.
Location.
Amount
cut.
Insular Lumber Co.*
Cadiz Nuevo and Sagay, Negros Occidental _
Pinamalayan, Mindoro
Pasacao, Camarines . ...
Oil. meters.
2,619
1,194
448
1,256
1,181
1,080
924
797
768
761
695
682
642
682
609
604
699
-667
559
544
Mindoro Lumber and Logging Co.* .__
Reiss & Mitchell ». -
Timber Cutter's Association of Unisan.
John Gibson .
PItogo, I'ayabas
Pinamalayan, Mindoro ..
Vicente Mijares
Dinalupijan
Jose Verchez . _...
Calauag, Tayabas
Felix Labasan
Subic, ^mlMiles
Charles A. Barber _._
Pinamalayan, Mindoro _.
Beebe, Lyon & Co
Zamboanga, Moro
Nicanor Afable
Subic, Zambales
Faustino Lichauco
Orion', Bataan
Compaflia Maderera de Luzon
Gelacio Linas _ . ..
Quinayangan, Tayabas
Ang Katlagaan
do! _
Ramon Murga .
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Astigarraga & Co
Camalaniogan, Cagayan
Juan Duran „. .. ^
Moron, Bataan
Marcelo Gutierrez
Bagac,' Bataan
Paulo Gustilo
Total _
^17,108
•Twenty-year license agreement.
b Equal to 5,180, 900 feet board measuref
28
Only five other licensees have cut over 500 cubic meters. Nine hun-
dred and ninety-seven timber licenses were issued during the fiscal year.
Note. — Five hundred cubic meters of Philippine timber as furnished
the mills will approximate 150,000 feet board measure.
Imports into and exports from the Philippine Islands of lumber during the fiscal
year 1906-7.
Imports into the
Philippines. •
Exports from the
Philippines.^
Quantities.
Value
(United
States
currency).
Quantities.
Value
(United
States
currency).
From the United States
Feet B. M.
10,734,000
2,674,000
$163,866
119, M3
Feet B. M.
From other countries
To the United States.
181,000
71,000
«3,690
1,406
To other countries
»In addition, 3,008,000 feet board measure of Oregon Pine, free of duty, were imported by the
Quartermaster Department, United States Army.
t>Sappan wood (dyewood) to the value of $61,696. United States currency, was exported. Cabinet
ware and house furniture were exported to the United States to the value of $910, United States
currency, and to other countries to the value of $1,908, United States currency.
Applications for permits to make caiiTffins, July i, 1006 ^ to June 30, 1907.
Province.
On public lands.
On private lands.
Granted.
Total.
Granted.
Total.
By forest
officers.
By munic-
ipal presi-
dents.
By forest
officers.
By munic-
ipal presi-
dents.
Albay
46
60
60
176
3
6
7
161
8
31
16
69
62
126
3
20
3
1
168
46
208
60
176
3
6
7
285
8
31
16
69
63
127
9
20
3
Arnhmi r!AinA.HTiPS
2
1
6
8
8
9
Antique — — — - -
Bataao _..
Bnlacan
Cap!*
6
6
Uocos Norte
Hocos Sur
124
i
1
1
2
Uoilo
1
Lepanto-Bontoc
Leyte _
1
Mindoro ._
148
4
92
16
240
19
Moro
i
1
6
Negros Occidental
Nueva Ecija __
3
2
6
Palawan
Pan^usinan
Roinblon > - - . »
32
12
1
175
32
12
4
3
2
2
17
Soreogon
17
Surigao
Tayabas
7
4
46
46
6
Union »__
6
Zambales
3
Total.—
1,067
667
303
464
1,360
1,121
207
121
158
71
860
192
Total 1906-7
29
Applications for homesteads, purchase and lease of puhHc lands, July 1, 1906,
to June 30, 1907.
Province.
Certified as more valuable for agricultural or forest purposes.
Homestead.
Purchase.
Grand
total.
Agricul-
tural.
Forest.
Total.
Agricul-
tural.
Forest.
Total.
Albay
6
30
1
18
10
18
15
19
31
2
9
84
6
30
2
18
10
18
16
19
38
2
9
86
6
80
2
22
11
18
19
19
36
2
9
87
1
111
9
161
9
17
10
48
41
3
36
200
4
18
Ambos Camarines
Antique
1
Bataan
4
1
4
1
Cagayan
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
1
3
3
Iloilo -
Isabela . .
2
2
2
La Laguna
Leyte
Mindoro
2
i
1
i
1
Moro
Negros Occidental
102
7
160
9
1
111
8
160
9
17
10
48
41
3
35
192
4
13
Negros Oriental
1
1
1
1
Nueva Ecija
Pampanga
9
Pangasinan
17
10
48
41
3
35
189
4
Rizal
Romblon
Sorsogon _
Snrigao -
Tarlac
_- „
i
8
1
8
Tayabas _ .
3
Union
Zambales.. _
Grand total ._
During fiscal year 1905-6.
Total, two fiscal
years
881
318
19
16
900
334
28
20
23
21
928
355
1
1,199
35
1,234
48
1
44
1,278
One lease each in the Provinces of Bataan, Palawan, and Tayabas, and nine leases in the Moro
Province were applied for, all certified as more valuable for agriculture.
On June 30, 1907, there were 1,427 homestead, 22 sale, and 2 lease applications pending the report
by forest officers.
Revenue from the sale of forest products.
Province.
Albay
Ambos Camarines
Antique
Bataan
Batangas :
Benguet
Bohol
Bulacan ».
Cagayan
Capiz
Cavite
Cebu
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Hollo
Isabela
La Laguna
Lepanto-Bontoe _.
Leyte __
Manila
Amount.
^1,
6,
542.40
475.68
39.78
152.66
605.63
942.56
431. 15
475. 43
762.33
840.46
620.60
177. 62
628.46
428.27
766.64
344.29
489.84
84.60
616.78
174.67
Province.
Mindoro
Misamis
Moro.
Negros Occidental
Negros Oriental
Nueva Ecija
Palawan
Pampanga
Pangasinan
RizS
RombloD
Samar
Sorsogon
Surigao
Tarlac
Tayabas
Union
Zambales
Total
Amount.
r2, 681.29
1,192.63
14,8U.74
4,218.65
676.82
^ 1,590.16
1,668.28
2,589.28
5,708.70
2,252.48
217.49
659.14
4,414.84
48L86
2,684.41
6,871.72
1,0^7.91
724.72
191,060.49
30
Expenditures by the liureau of Forestry, July i, 1906, to June 30, 1907.
FIELD FOBCE.
Salaries and wages:
Forest officers ^58,987.66
Map section 2,240.00
J^bor hire and field parties 2,244.37
Per dienis and traveling expenses 14,244.80
Postage and telegrams 386.74
Transportation and freight 1,368.01
Supplies 983.18
Omce rents 434.00
Commuted leaves 3,934.00
Total 84,822.85
CLERICAL FORCE.
Salaries and wages f»^10,651.83
Postage and telegrams 547.00
Labor hire 12.00
Transportation 223.46
Office supplies 370.14
(\>mmuted leaves 3,389.66
Total 15,194.09
timbp:r-testino laboratory.
Salaries and wages (one assistant engineer) ^1,718.89
Supplies 210.46
Wood samples 516.19
Commuted leave 825.10
Total 3,270.64
OTHER EXPENSES.
Printing and binding f=2,752.34
Repairs and miscellaneous expenses 964.44
Refunds 1,651.28
Total 5,368.06
RECAPITULATION.
Expenses :
Field force ^84,822.85
Clerical force 15,194.09
Timber-testing laboratory 3,270.64
Miscellaneous 5,368.06
Total 108,655.64
The above includes expenditures for outstanding obligations pertain-
ing to the fiscal year 1906, amounting to 3,606.09
31
Expenditures by the Bureau of Forestry, July /, 1906, to June 30, 1907 — Cont'd.
RECAPITULATION — continued.
Appropriation for 11)07 f^iOO,000.00
Additional appropriation 5,000.00
Balance from fiscal year 1906 0,853.90
Total 111,853.90
Outstanding obligations fiscal year 1900, of which ^1,353.50 reported
as expenditures in last annual report, but actually paid during
fiscal year 1907 4,969.59
Available for fiscal year 1907 106,884.31
Balance on hand June 30, 1907 1,834.76
Expenditures fiscal year 1907 105,049.55
AN AVAILABLE FOREST TRACT IN NEGROS
OCCIDENTAL.
By IT. D. Everett, Forester.
Tliere is in northern Negros a large tract of forest very suitable for a
lumbering operation on a large scale. In respect to purity of stand and
heaviness of yield, factors of great importance in a large operation, it is
probable that this forest is not excelled in the Philippines. In almost all
respects it is similar to the tract of the Insular Lumber Company, for
which a working plan was made in 1906. For a detailed description
of that tract see Bulletin No. 5, Bureau of Forestry, Manila, P. I., "A
Preliminary Working Plan for the Public Forest Tract of the Insular
Lumber Company, Negros Occidental, P. I.''
The tract adjoins that on which the Insular Lumber Company is now
operating, and extends from the Talabon Piver, in Cadiz, through the
municipalities of Manapla, Victorias, Saravia, and Silay, gradually mov-
ing farther back from the coast up the slopes of Mount Silay or Maripara
(see map). The more accessible part and that which would be suitable
for present lumbering is in the towns of Cadiz, Manapla, and Victorias.
The topography, as shown by the map, is characterized by low broad
ridges in the lower edge of the forest which gradually become sharper
and higher and separated by deep caiions as the mountain is ascended.
The soil is deep brownisli, yellowish clay, fairly suitable for agriculture.
The forest is characterized by a numerous dominant stand of six large
trees, belonging to the family Dipterocarpacese, which are merchantable
species. They are Balacbacan (Shorea polysperma Merr), Bed Lauan
{Shorea sp.), Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus Blanco), Almon (Sho-
rea squamata Dyer), Lauan Dunlog {Shorea contorta Vid), and Lauan
bagtican (Shorea sp.). The wood of the first two is red and very similar,
and that of the last three is commonly called Wliite Lauan. Beneath
these large trees is an understory of many smaller species, some of which
may become merchantable. Of this forest there are 2o square miles
available lying below 750 feet above the sea. This timber is accessible
and can be logged profitably at the present time. In addition there are
15 square miles above 750 feet which can be logged later.
The accessible 25 square miles, or 160,000 acres, have an average of
at least 30,000 feet B. M. of merchantable timber per acre or a total
supply -of 480 million feet B. M. This would supply a sawmill cutting
Oversized
Foldout
33
an average of 50,000 feet B. M. per day for three hundred days each
year for thii*ty-two years.
The most important factor affecting the exploitation of this forest
is the transportation of the luml>er to the market. The tract differs from
that of the Insular Lumber Company in that it has no good navigable
river which steamers and barges can readily enter. The Sieaba River,
wliich is navigable nearly to the barrio of Caduhuan, has such a bad bar
that its use as a harbor is practically out of the question.
The best and cheapest method of exploitation is clearly by means of
railroads. The new railroad which the Philippine Railway Company
has contracted to build in Negros, as planned, will pass approximately
through the barrio of Caduhuan, parallel with the edge of the forest and
a little more than 2 miles distant. A lumber company w^ould find it ad-
visable to build its sawmill on the Sieaba River where the railroad crosses
it and build its own logging railroad into the forest. The sawn lumber
could then be shipped to the Danao River, the northern terminus of the
railroad, a distance of about 25 miles, or to Silay. Such an operation
will require a large capital, but managed efficiently should prove profitable.
So similar are this tract and the adjoining tract on which the Insular
Lumber Company are now operating that the following extract from
Circular No. 1, Bureau of Forestry, applies equally to both and gives a
clear idea of the lumbering possibilities in this region.
SUMMARY OF LUMBERING POSSIBILITIES ON ONE TRACT OF
PUBLIC FOREST IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL.
In Bulletin No. 5 of the Bureau of Forestry a description is given of the
forests and lumbering operations near Cadiz, Negros Occidental. The summary
of this bulletin is as follows :
Area of tract, 69 square miles; area in forest, 37,668 acres.
Stumpage charges on this tract are collected on manufactured lumber and
average less than $1.20 (United States currency) per thousand feet B. M.
Six tree species constitute about 90 per cent of the total stand of merchantable
timber on the entire tract..
Amount and value of merchantable timber on tract over 20 inches in diameter.
species.
Stump-
age
charge,
Mfeet
B. M. (ap
proxi-
mate).
Feet
B. M.
per
acre.
Total
yield,
Mfeet
B. M.
Manila
price,
Mfeet
B. M.
Value
per
acre.
Total
value.
Apltong
Almon -
Balacbacan
Mangachapuy (Red Lauan) .
Lauan-bagtican and Lauan-
dunlog —
Total
2
4
2
5,140
7,150
4,640
13,240
198,672
269,269
174,742
498,618
70,801
r9a-ni6
70- 90
70- 90
70- 90
70- 90
r460
500
925
180
32,050
1,207,002
2,840
yi7,421,480
18,848,880
12,281,040
84,908,260
4,966,070
88,861,580
T-2 equal one dollar, United States currency.
69976-
AN AVAILABLE FOREST TRACT IN NORTH-
EASTERN MINDORO.
By M. L. Merrftt, Forester.
During the year a special study was made of the forests of northeastern
Mindoro by the district forester. The area studied has a coast line of
about 65 miles and extends back 7 to 18 miles from the beach. (See
map.)
With the exception of a strip 2 to 5 miles wide along the coast the
whole area is solidly wooded. While some of the forest is not of the best
quality, several excellent stands occur. " The best stand, 40 square miles
in extent, lies southwest of Lake Naujan. This lake is a body of fresh
water about 9 miles long and 5 miles wide, deep and navigable throughout,
with the exception of tlie western side which is shallow and low near the
beach. It is connected with the sea by a river 9 miles in length. This
river is deep and navigable for its upper half throughout the year, for
its lower half during the rainy and a portion of the dry seasons.
In this region rapid tree counts were made on more than 100 acres
along representative strips 10 meters wide. An average of about thirty-
eight trees over 1 foot in diameter were found per acre. Of these trees
47^ per cent in numbers are of four 'species of Dipterocarpus: Alam
{Shorea squamata), 27.7 per cent; Lauan (Shorea contorta), 9.7 per cent,
Tanguile (Shorea sp.), 6.9 per cent, and Apitong (Dipterocarpm sp.),
3.2 per cent. Of the trees over 2 feet in diameter more than 70 per cent
are of these four species. This will yield, after making an allowance of
25 per cent for defects, about 20,000 feet B. M. per acre. In making
this estimate, account is taken only of trees over 60 centimeters (2 feet)
in diameter of the four above-mentioned species. The entire area of 40
square miles of this forest, according to this estimate, contains 512,000,000
feet B. M.
In addition to this yield there are scattering trees of a few other com-
mercial species.
The country thus forested is made up of clay hills rising from the
lake shore to an elevation of about 800 feet at a distance of 4 miles inland.
Ridges, slightly broken in a few places, run back into this area and afford
direct access to about half of this timber. Some difficulty would be
34
Oversized
Foldout
35
found in reacliing the rest, due to the cuts and gullies in the soft clay
hills, but in few, if in any places, will this preclude logging operations.
In addition to this area southwest of the lake, fair forests border the
east and north sides which would furnish Malugay (Pometia pinnata),
Narra {Pterocarpm indie us), and other merchantable trees.
Logs may be rafted across the lake and down the river to the sea,
which is within fourteen hours by steamer from Manila. Or, should it
be desirable to avoid rafting over the lower half of this river, which is
shallow during the dry season, and if it is also desired to avoid the
danger and uncertainty of loading upon an open beach, a logging railroad
could be constructed without much cost, to the pier at Calapan, distant
about 13 miles, where loading would be comparatively easy.
The following table shows prices per thousand feet B. M. and com-
mercial names of tim])er tributary to Lake T^aujan.
Almon (Alam) r70-r«0
White Lauan 70- 90
Tanguile, or Balacbacan 95-120
Apitong 85-100
Malugay 95-130
Xarra 226-300
Baticulin 200-250
Amuguis 110-l50
In addition to this excellent forest, which has remained almost un-
touched because of its distance from market, a stand of at least 14,000
feet B. M. per acre is found covering about 25 square miles in the vicinity
of Balete, farther clown the coast to the east and close to the forest above
mentioned.
REPORT OF AN EXAMINATION OF PINE
LANDS, TRIBUTARY TO BAGUIO,
PROVINCE OF BENGUET,
By H. M. CuRRAN, Forester.
The object of this examination was to determine the amount of timber
near Baguio; to locate bodies of timber suitable for commercial exploita-
tion; to make a detailed examination of one such tract and to outline a
plan for the protection of the region from forest fires. As a result of
this examination, sketch maps of Baguio and vicinity have been prepared,
showing roughly the forest, cultivated, and grass areas.
Four, tracts of commercial forests were located, covering a total area
of 3,556 acres.
The principal tree of this region is pine (P. insularis) and occurs in
practically pure stands. This pine closely resembles Western Yellow
Pine (P. ponderosa). The region occupied by this tree is broken and
hilly and the prominent features of its topography are long, narrow,
connecting ridges, with many short lateral spurs. The crests of the ridges
are 200 to 500 feet above the water courses. Tlie slopes are steep; 30°
to 40° slopes being not uncommon.
The whole region has been constantly swept by grass fires, and the re-
sulting stand is thin and open. The trees are sliort boled and knotty,
excepting where small patches have been protected from fire by the topog-
raphy. Here the trees are often straight, clear boled, with gradually
tapering stems and small crowns. Coarse grasses and ferns cover the
ground over the greater part of the area. Patches of reproduction are
found where fires have been less frequent and severe.
The trees apparently bear large crops of fertile seed each year, and but
for the fires, an excellent reproduction, like that of Loblolly Pine (P.
taeda)y would be present over the whole area. The tree is a rapid grower,
nodes 1 to 2 feet long are noted, and the rings of growth are often very
wide. Merchantable timber can probably be grown in thirty to forty
years from seed. A sample tree in a dense, even-aged stand on a favor-
able site had a diameter of 14 inches at breast height, and showed forty
J)eriods of growth. Its clear length was 60 feet. The live crown began
at 74 feet and the total height of the tree was 108 feet.
36
37
A detailed examination of 903 acres of commercial forest was made.
All the trees on 70 acres were measured and taper analyses made of
twenty felled trees. The result of these measurements is as follows :
Average number of trees per acre over 10 inches in dia-
meter breast high 13
Average diameter inches.... 21
Average board contents 21 -inch tree feet... 550
Average stand [)er acre do 7,150
Approximately 32 per cent of the stand was marked
for cutting giving an average cut per acre of, approxi-
mately feet.... 2,300
On this basis the cut for the 903 acres of forest examined
would be feet... 2,224,900
And for the entire region of 3,556 acres do 8,178,800
' o
fe:
A
',.»- ? '
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
OX) BENEW BHONE 7641494
DATE DUE
3 9015 02328 0780
BOUND
MAYei 1933
UNiV. Or .4iCH.
Forestry
SD
93
.A5
1907
Annual Report, of the
Director of Forestry/
of the Philippine
Islands, for the period
July 1, 1906 to
June 30, 1907.
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