•Main HKfeRlC, DEPT
OLDER FOREST
PLANTATIONS
IN
MASSACHUSETTS
CONlFEllS
J.R.5IMMDNS
ASS'T. FORESTER
UNDER THE
OF
TWRANE
5TATL FORESTER
THE OLDER
FOREST PLANTATIONS
IN
MASSACHUSETTS.
COKIFEES.
J. R. SIMMONS, ASSISTANT FORESTER, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
F. W. RANE, STATE FORESTER.
BOSTON:
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
32 DERNE STREET.
1915.
APPROVED BY
THE STATE BOARD OF PUBLICATION.
FOREWORD.
Mr. Simmons has brought together in this bulletin some
very valuable information. All of the examples cited are re-
sults of actual early planting in this State.
Many of the plantations, it may be said, have not had the
normal conditions that would exist to-day. Most of the stock
planted was wild stock dug from the surrounding country, and
in some instances the land used was extremely inferior.
With nursery-grown transplants, adaptable soils and modern
methods of thinning far better results may be had in the future.
The results reported herewith are extremely conservative,
and the reader, I am sure, cannot help receiving encouragement
in attempting forest planting of pine in this State.
Interest in reforestation is growing rapidly each year, and
we may anticipate what our well-directed efforts of to-day will
bring forth twenty-five to fifty years hence by the results here
shown.
Every 1,000 acres planted now will mean much to posterity,
and, as well, reflect great credit and profit to our generation.
F. W. RANE,
State Forester.
FEB. 1, 1915.
32O924
FOREST PLANTATIONS IN MASSACHUSETTS.
INTRODUCTION.
The object of this bulletin is to show the practicability and
results of forest planting of coniferous trees, and deals with
plantations which have reached an age when value can be
measured in terms of lumber. The tracts selected for observa-
tion were originally planted by private individuals who repre-
sent the pioneers in the work of reforestation in this State.
By interviewing these owners, or those to whom their property
has been handed on, a considerable amount of information has
been collected with regard to the objects which they had in
mind in the beginning, the methods employed and the later
management of their plantations. To this has been added
measurements of each wood lot, either as a whole, or by the
selection of sample plots, and the contents computed as de-
scribed in the succeeding pages. The data and accompanying
illustrations were taken in 1914. It is the desire of the State
Forester to encourage those who own waste land to bring it
back into forest production. This investigation represents one
method of showing what may be expected from such an under-
taking.
EARLY METHODS AND INTEREST IN FOREST PLANTING.
The period between 1820 and 1880 was one of enthusiastic
planting of pine in New England. The lumberman foresaw
the time when natural white pine as a marketable commodity
would be gone, and the rise in prices would make planted tim-
ber of economic importance. Large plantations were made by
private owners, and a few by corporations. Seedlings were
usually dug up from the fields lying around old seed pines, and
planted either at random or in rows, and spaced at distances
6
Varying from 4 to 15 feet. Seed plots were attempted by some,
and others even tried out broadcast sowing. At the end of
this period there were in Massachusetts alone forest plantations
of white pine to the extent of 10,000 acres.1
Typical of the forest planters of this time was Mr. Augustus
Pratt, a former member of the State Board of Agriculture, who,
when nineteen years old, planted pine seed on an old pasture
belonging to his father. The wood lot which thus developed
has been recently cut, and was between forty and fifty years
old.
After 1880 interest began to decline, chiefly because of the im-
mense supply of lumber brought from the region of the Great
Lakes at a low rate of transportation and the inadequate
methods of combating forest fires; these conditions tended to
gradually dampen the enthusiasm of the forest planter.
PRESENT NEED OF REFORESTATION.
We are now entering once more upon a campaign for the
reclamation of waste land. This is due not alone to the de-
crease in our supply of lumber, but also to the following facts : —
There is a growing sentiment among our people for forests
and scenic beauty. There are nearly 1,000,000 acres of waste
land in Massachusetts; our hardwood forests are threatened by
gypsy, brown-tail and other moth pests, and our beautiful
chestnut tracts by the ever-increasing chestnut bark disease.
Improved methods of forest-fire fighting and the co-operation
of railroads, local fire departments and individuals have made
possible the protection of forests, once they have been ac-
quired.
Coniferous trees offer the best means of realizing our present
needs. They act as the most effective check upon the devasta-
tions of the moth, being unedible to the brown-tail, while the
gypsy will pass them by if he can find anything else upon
which to subsist. 2 Beneath a pine forest there is always a
thick bed of needles which keeps the ground moist and free
from sprouts and deciduous seedlings. Therefore, while pine
develops tremendous heat in case of fire, it prevents the collec-
1 United States Forest Service Bulletin No. 35.
2 See Massachusetts State Forester's Bulletin on "Improvement Thinnings."
tion of inflammable material which would* feeol on ordinary
ground fire; in other words, it is a good preventive against the
first causes.
RECENT PLANTATIONS.
Excellent plantations of pine, ranging from trees a few inches
in height to 15 or 20 feet, may be seen on the watersheds of
many of our lakes and streams. A large number of individuals
and corporations in all parts of the State have undertaken re-
forestation, either upon their own initiative or with the co-
operation of the State Forester. In 1914 the amount of land
planted under the reforestation act was 550 acres. In addi-
tion to this, the Massachusetts State institutions and commis-
sions planted about 700 acres. The transplants were supplied
from the State Forester's nursery at Amherst, Mass. A new
State Forest Commission has, within the year, been appointed
by the Governor, and empowered to acquire wild and waste
lands for the purpose of converting them into State forests.
These lands will be turned over to the State Forester for plant-
ing and management. In most parts of the State the work of
private forestry companies is also becoming evident. To many
people a flourishing forest is sufficient remuneration. For the
economic advantages of reforestation the reader is referred to
the measurements given herewith, and also to " Forest Mensura-
tion of the White Pine," which can be obtained by writing to
the State Forester.
THE FOREST TAXATION LAW.
The advantages of the new forest taxation law should be
known and understood by those interested in the subject of
reforestation. In order to benefit by the provisions of the law
the forest plantation must first be registered. The law then
substitutes for the general tax on land and timber two taxes,
i.e., one on the land at its own value, the same as if all the
trees had been removed, and one equal to 6 per cent, of the
stumpage value, payable when the timber is cut. The owner
of a registered plantation would therefore pay an annual tax
on the value of his land ($1 to $10 per acre, which at a $20
rate would amount to 2 to 20 cents) so long as the plantation
stood, and a yield tax of 6 per cent, when the timber was cut
// -: w 8
($10 to $20 per acre)/ These two taxes would be considerably
less than the amount paid under the present system, and their
amount would be a known quantity, because the owner could
determine in advance the amount which he would have to ex-
pend. Under the old system he would be subject to the judg-
ment of his assessors, who can raise the amount of his valua-
tion from year to year. The reader is referred to the Massa-
chusetts State Forester's Bulletin, "The Forest Taxation Law."
PLANTATIONS.
South Orleans, Mass. — Owner, John Kenrick.
History. — This plantation was made in March, 1876, by
John Kenrick, Sr., and consists of about 7 acres of white pine,
Scotch pine and American larch. Previous to planting, the
land had borne rye for one year and corn for two years, and
the trees were set out on the corn stubble 4 feet apart. On a
portion of the tract, instead of using seedlings, small seed
spots were sown, always with the same spacing. The larch
consisted entirely of seedlings. In spite of the close spacing,
the trees have made a remarkable growth for this section of the
State, and there are very few blank spaces, even where the
seed was used. Occasionally a small group of trees more
slender than the others marks where several seedlings sprang
up as if from a single root out of the seed spot, but usually
the most vigorous tree has crowded out the others.
Objects. — Personal interest in forest planting, and to demon-
strate the practicability of forest planting on Cape Cod; to
improve and utilize land otherwise of little agricultural value.
Treatment. — The original owner lived to make his first forest
thinning, though well on in years when the planting was done.
This was confined almost entirely to removing the dead and
overcrowded trees. The 4-foot spacing remains in evidence
throughout most of the tract. A large number of trees could
now be removed to advantage, but even as they stand they
present a marked contrast to the native pitch pine, being taller
and of greater diameter.
Thirty-eight year old plantation of white pine. John Kenrick, South Orleans, Mass.
9
Plot No. 1 . White Pine predominating.
Sample plot, 280 by 110 feet; age, thirty-eight years.
DIAMETEK BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
NUMBER OF TREES.
Board
Feet.
White
Pine.
Scotch
Pine.
Height
(Feet).
5
70
25
35
1,188
6
59
21
35
1,400
7,
55
23 •
35
1,950
8, . . . . .
38
21
40
2,065
9
21
14
40
1,575
10
16
8
40
1,320
11,
8
6
45
1,085
12,
7
2
45
810
13
-
4
45
410
14, .
Total, ........
1
-
45
120
275
125
40 *
11,923
Total number of trees to acre, 571.
Total board feet to acre, 17,033.
1 Average height.
Plot No. 2. Scotch Pine predominating.
Area, J4 acre; age, thirty-eight years.
NUMBER
DP TREES.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Scotch
Pine.
White
Pine.
Board Feet.
5
21
14
525
6
15
19
680
7,
22
7
870
8, . .-
9
26
7
12
5
1,330
540
10
11,
5
275
12, . .
1
75
Total
97
57
4,295
Total number of trees to acre, 6
Total board feet to acre, 17,180.
Average height, 40 feet.
10
Plot No. 3. Tamarack.
Area, }£ acre; age, thirty-eight years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
5, . .
19
238
6, ....
7, . . .
8, _.-.-, .'*.'.
9, ..;.<...,....
29
27
15
10
508
675
450
375
10, . . i . ; . .
4
190
11, . . * . i . . . . . .
1
60
12 . . ....
1
70
13 ........
1
80
Total, -i . . . J " S» '.'•'.
107
2 646
Total number of trees to acre, 428.
Total board feet to acre, 10,584.
Average height, 35 feet.
Plot No. 4. Tamarack.
Area, % acre; age; thirty-eight years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
5, . .,*„..,„... „...„.,_, »..„". ,-'._„ ,...,:,,-.
6, . .;'... .
92
51
920
765
7, 1 .
32
640
8 ': ' .'.'.,
5
125
9
1
30
10, . . :
2
80
Total, .
183
2,550
Total number of trees to acre, 732.
Total board feet to acre, 10,200.
Average height, 30 feet.
West Monponsett Lake, Mass. — Owner, Frank H. Albee.
History. — Before this land was bought by the present owner
it was covered with a beautiful plantation of white pine. This
was for the most part lumbered in 1913 and cut, according to
the buyer of the timber, 30,000 board feet to the acre. Measure-
ments have been made of a sample acre of stumps and one inch
11
deducted to determine the diameter of the original trees breast
high. The plantation was made about forty-six years ago by
Samuel Alden, East Bridgewater, Mass., and a Mr. Kingman
of Brockton, Mass., and the land selected was on an abandoned
farm. Planting was begun in the fall and finished in the spring,
and the spacing was done by means of cross-plowed furrows
about 10 feet apart.
Objects. — Interest in reforestation, and to utilize waste land.
Treatment. — The removal of dead trees was the only care
given this tract, so far as could be determined. The wide spac-
ing prevented excessive overcrowding, but the diameter growth
was much better than the height, as estimated from the few
trees left standing.
Sample Plot.
Area, 1 acre; age, forty-six years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Height
(Feet).
Board Feet.
8, i
13
30
325
'•,...• . . . . • ...
9
30
270
10, . . . ; . . . . .
26
30
1,040
11, , „ .
17
30
853
ii, . • . . . %
44
40
3,300
w, , . . .
44
40
3,740
14, . , . .
54
40
5,400
15, . > '.
40
40
4,600
16. . ; ... .. . .; . . . .
36
40
4,860
17, . . '. . . .;...., . • .
19
50
3,800
18
9
50
2,115
19,
2
60
670
20
1
60
380
21,
1
60
430
Total .
315
42i
31,780
1 Average height estimated.
Rehoboth, Mass. — Owners, Miss Fannie Douse and Mrs. Clara
I. Hubbard.
History. — This fifty-five year old plantation was made by
Mr. Christopher Carpenter. Pasture trees were used and the
spacing was about 8 to 10 feet. At the end of the first ten
12
years the trees had reached the height of a man's head. The
property is now in the possession of Miss Fannie Douse and
Mrs. Clara I. Hubbard.
Treatment. — About four years ago the dead trees were re-
moved and measures taken to protect the plantation from
forest fires.
An examination of the tract showed so regular a growth, and
so much care in lining up the rows, that a slightly different
method was used in measuring it, as follows : —
Two rows of trees through the plantation were measured
for heights and diameters, and the contents in each case multi-
plied by the total number of rows. As a check on this work,
a sample quarter acre was measured, with about the same aver-
age result.
Row No. 1.
Area, 7 acres; age, fifty-five years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
6
7, .
4
1
120
40
8,
5
250
9 . .
10,
7
4
420
300
11,
7
630
12,
13
1,265
13
4
480
14 .
4
560
15 . .
2
320
16
17
1
260
Total,
52
4,645
Total number of rows, 66.
Total board feet, 306,570.
Total number of acres, 7.
Total board feet to acre, 43,796.
Average height, 50 feet.
A view of the same tract, taken inside the woods.
13
Row No.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Total
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
6
7
1
2
30
80
8
2
100
9,
5
300
10
11
825
11
6
540
12
12
1,260
13
7
840
14
2
280
15,
16, ...
2
360
Total
50
4 615
Total number of rows, 66.
Total board feet, 304,590.
Total number of acres, 7.
Total board feet to acre, 43,512.
Average height, 50 feet.
Total Results Averaging Rows Nos. 1 and 2.
Area, 7 acres.
Number of trees to acre, 480.
Board feet to acre, 43,654.
Sharon, Mass. — Owner, Mr. Edwin Fobes.
History. — The original planter was Mr. Lyman Plimpton,
who in 1858 planted white pine on the site of an old peach
orchard which had been killed by blight. When first made, the
plantation comprised about 6 acres, but a forest fire swept
through it a number of years ago, destroying or badly damag-
ing over half of it. A few of the remaining trees show scars
upon their trunks, but otherwise appear very thrifty.
Purposes. — To utilize poor land. Interest in forestry, from
the standpoint of lumber value and beauty of landscape.
White Pine.
Area, 2 acres; age, fifty-six years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Height
(Feet).
Board Feet.
6
7
16
23
60
60
480
1 150
8, . .
9, . . . . . .
50
75
60
60
3,250
7 875
10
11 . .
74
98
70
70
9,250
14 210
12
60
70
9 900
13
35
70
6 650
14,
25
70
5 375
15,
17
75
4 624
16, .
12
75
3 660
17,
6
75
2,040
18
5
75
1.900
19, . .
5
75
2,110
20, ...
3
80
1 515
21, ..
2
80
1 110
22,
2
80
1,190
23
1
80
640
Total
509
7Qi
76,929
Total number of trees to acre, 254.
Total board feet to acre, 38,464.
1 Average height.
Along the road which passes this plantation is a row of pine
trees which were planted at the same date. Their growth, on
account of the added amount of light they have received, has
been so much greater than that of average forest trees that it
was deemed advisable to measure them separately. While their
height is about 10 feet less than that of the adjoining planta-
tion, they show a far greater diameter growth, which will give
some idea of what might be expected from white pine if given
every possible advantage.
Fifty-six year old plantation of white pine. Edwin Fobes, Sharon, Mass.
A row of forty-two white pine trees, fifty-six years old. Edwin Fobes plantation, Sharon,
Mass.
15
White Pine.
Measurements for a row of trees along road spaced about 10 feet; age, fifty-six years. (See illus-
tration.)
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
15
1
200
16,
17,
2
460 -
18
3
885
19
4
1,340
20
8
3,040
21,
6
2,880
22,
2
1,040
23,
5
2,825
24, ...
1
600
25 . .
4
2,580
26
4
3,440
27,
2
1,880
Total,
42
21,170
Average height, 60 feet.
Because these trees are planted in a straight row, 10 feet
apart, the spread of the branches, laterally, is nearly 50 feet.
It would therefore require only about 80 trees of this size to
cover an acre of ground. In terms of the above measurements
they would yield a little over 40,000 board feet.
Bridgewater, Mass. — Owner, C. M. Cook.
History. — So far as could be ascertained from residents in
the vicinity of this small plantation it was made about fifty
years ago, trees dug up from the surrounding pastures being
used. Stumps within and on the border of the lot show be-
tween 45 and 50 rings. Other information than these observa-
tions and the measurements given is lacking.
16
White Pine.
Area, 200 by 320 feet (approximately 1^ acres) ; age, fifty years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Average
Height
(Feet).
Board Feet.
5, .
33
40
495
6,
32
40
640
7
51
40
1,530
8 , .
59
40
2,065
9, ..........
94
40
4,230
10, . . » . . . . . . V
85
50
6,375
11,
78
50
7 020
12, . . . , . ... . .
75
50
7 875
13,
54
50
6,480
14
29
50
4,060
15
11
50
1,760
16, . . ;
1
50
180
17, . . ,
5
60
1,300
18,
4
60
1 180
19, .
1
60
335
20, . . ... . . . . .
21, ...... ,
1
70
480
22, . . . . . , ' , •
23, . . ; . .
1
70
565
Total,
614
-
46,570
Total number of trees to acre, 460.
Total board feet to acre, 34,927.
East Bridgewater, Mass. — Owner, Mr. Harris Latham.
History. — Mr. Latham's plantation is one of the largest in-
vestigated, and covers about 12 acres. It can be seen from any
one of three roads, and has the appearance of a well-kept park.
The original planter was Mr. Galen Latham, father of the
present owner, and the trees were set out in 1875, in furrows,
plowed 8 to 10 feet apart. Pasture trees 10 to 12 inches in
height were used.
Objects. — Interest in forestry. To improve the landscape
and to utilize land difficult of successful cultivation. To utilize
a large number of seedlings which had sprung up in the pasture.
Two views of the Harris Latham plantation, East Bridgewater, Mass. ; age, thirty-nine
years.
17
Treatment. — No thinnings have been made. A very few
dead trees have been removed, and no limbs and refuse allowed
to remain on the ground.
This experiment is the most extensive recorded in this bulle-
tin from the standpoint of the number of trees measured. The
land was resurveyed as a check on the area.
•
White Pine.
Area, 12 acres; age, thirty-nine years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
5,
470
4,700
6,
749
22,470
7,
896
35,840
8,
981
49,050
9,
927
55,620
10, . .
705
52,875
11,
371
33,390
12
170
17,850
13
85
10,200
14,
53
7,420
15
15
2,400
16,
8
1,440
Total,
5,430
293,255
Total number of trees to acre, 452.
Total board feet to acre, 24,428.
Average height, 50 feet.
South Lancaster, Mass. — Owner, Mr. Harold Parker.
History. — This plantation was made by the father of the
present owner forty-three years ago. Natural seedlings were
used, taken from the surrounding woods, and spaced about
10 by 10 feet. The whole area reforested covered between 15
and 20 acres, and, besides pine, several types of hardwoods were
planted. The area from which measurements were taken, and
devoted almost entirely to pine, is about 4 acres.
Objects. — To utilize waste land for commercial advantage,
and to determine what might be expected from planted white
pine as an investment. To improve the appearance of the land
18
from the standpoint of beauty of landscape. Interest in horti-
culture and the care of woodlands.
Treatment. — In 1905 the government laid out four sample
plots, numbered and measured the diameters of all the trees in
each plot, and most of the suppressed trees were removed. The
total numbers of trees removed (compare following lists of data)
were as follows : —
Plot No. 1, " 1
Plot No. 2, 73
Plot No. 3, . . . . '. 46
Plot No. 4, . . ' . 32
A record of the data taken in 1905 was loaned by the United
States Forest Service in Washington and compared with
measurements made in 1914. For convenience in obtaining
board measure, trees whose diameters fell over or under the
half-inch division of the rule were recorded to the nearest inch.
No height measurements were made in 1905. The heights for
that date have therefore been estimated at 5 feet below the
measurements for 1914. It is believed that this is a conserva-
tive estimate.
Sample Plot No. 1 (Government Plot No. 4) •
Area, J4 acre; age, forty-three years.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
1
White pine,
12
12
2
105
120
15
2
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
3
White pine,
12
12
1
105
120
15
4, .
White pine,
10
12
1
75
120
45
5, . . " - , . .";
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
1Q3
28
6
White pine, .
13
14
1
120
158
38
7
White pine, *~ .
10
10
2
75
85
10
8, ....
White pine,
10
10
2
75
85
10
9, .
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
10
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
11, .
White pine, .
13
15
1
120
180
60
12, .
White pine, .
15
15
1
160
180
20
Forty-three year old plantation of white pine which is making a current annual growth
of about 1,000 B. F. to the acre. Harold Parker, South Lancaster, Mass.
19
Sample Plot No. 1 (Government Plot No. f) — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
13
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
14, .
White pine,
9
9
2
60
70
10
15, .
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
16, .
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
17, .
White pine, . ' .
12
13
1
105
138
33
18, .
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
19, . . . : ..'-
White pine,
10
11
2
75
103
28
20, .
White pine, .
10
10
2
75
85
10
21, .
White pine, .
10
11
. 1
75
103
28
22, .
White pine,
9
10
2
60
85
25
23, .
White pine,
11
11
1
90
103
13
24, .
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
25, ....
White pine, _,
9
10
2
60
85
25
26, .
White pine,
7
7
2
40
45
5
27
White pine, . .
11
12
1
90
120
30
28, .
White pine,
10
11
1
75
103
28
29
White pine,
12
14
1
105
158
53
30, .
White pine,
14
15
1
140
180
40
31, .
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
32, .
White pine, .
11
12
1
90
120
30
33, ....
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
34, ....
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
35, . . .
White pine,
8
8
2
50
58
8
36
White pine,
8
8
2
50
58
8
37, .
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
38, .
Hemlock,
2
3
5
3
3
-
39, .
Hemlock,
3
4
5
5
5
-
40, .
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
41, .
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
42, . . . .~
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
43, .
White pine,
8
8
2
50
58
8
44, .
White pine,
14
15
1
140
180
40
46, .
White pine,
8
8
2
50
58
8
47
White pine, .
11
12
2
90
120
30
48, .
White pine, .
12
12
1
105
120
15
20
Sample Plot No. 1 (Government Plot No. jf) — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
15
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
49, . . . ..
White pine,
12
12
2
105
120
50, ....
White pine, .
8
9
1
50
70
20
51
White pine, . .
8
8
3
50
58
8
52
White pine,
10
11
1
75
103
28
53
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
54
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
55, .
White pine, .
12
12
1
105
120
15
56, .
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
57, .
White pine, .
7
7
3
40
45
5
58, .
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
103
28
59, . . . ! '.
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
60, . . . • .
White pine, . .
12
13
1
105
138
33
61, .
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
62
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
63
White pine, . . .
10
10
1
75
85
10
64, .
White pine, ...
14
15
1
140
180
40
65, .
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
66, .
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
67
White pine, .
12
14
2
105
158
53
68
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
69
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
70
White pine, . .
13
14
1
120
158
38
71, .
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
103
28
72
White pine, .
11
11
2
90
103
13
73, .
White pine, .
9
9
3
60
70
10
74
White pine, .
14
15
1
140
180
40
75
White pine, .
9
10
2
60
85
25
76, .
White pine, . .
12
13
2
105
138
33
77
White pine,
13
14
1
120
158
38
78
White pine,
12
13
1
105
138
33
79
White pine,
14
16
1
140
205
65
80, .
White pine, .
12
14
1
105
158
53
81
Hemlock,
3
3
6
5
5
.-'...
82, . . ...
Hemlock,
4
4
4
10
10
.-
83, . . .
White pine, .
5
5
3
15
25
10
21
Sample Plot No. 1 (Government Plot No. 4) — Concluded.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
BOARD FEET.
Gain
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
(INCHES).
Class.
in
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
Feet.
84, .
White pine, .
9
9
3
60
70
10
85, .
White pine,
8
10
3
50
85
35
86
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
87, .
White pine, .
11
11
1
90
103
13
88, .
White pine,
10
11
1
75
103
28
Total,
-
-
-
7,303
9,429
2,126
Average height, 1905, 50 feet.
Average height, 1914, 55 feet.
Summary of Data.
Total board feet to acre, 1905, .
Total board feet to acre, 1914, . . . .
Total gain in board feet per acre,
Current annual gain in board feet per acre,
29,212
37,716
8,504
945
Sample Plot No. 2 (Government Plot No. 5}.
Area, 1A acre; age, forty-three years.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
BOARD FEET.
Gain
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
(INCHES).
Class.
in
T>-._..J
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
±>oaru
Feet.
1, ...
White pine, .
13
14
1
120
158
38
2, ...
White pine, .
12
14
1
105
158
53
3, ...
White pine,
12
14
1
105
158
53
4, ...
White pine,
11
13
1
90
138
48
5, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
50
70
20
6, ...
White pine, .
9
11
2
60
103
43
7, ...
White pine, .
11
13
1
90
138
48
8, ...
White pine,
7
9
2
40
70
30
10, ...
White pine, .
7
9
2
40
70
30
11,
White pine, .
6
9
2
30
38
8
12, ...
White pine,
1-0
11
1
75
103
28
13, ...
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
103
28
14, ...
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
15, ...
White pine, .
8
8
i «
50
58
8
22
Sample Plot No. 2 (Government Plot No. 5} — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
16, ...
White pine, .
9
9
2
60
70
10
17, ...
White pine, . ~ .
10
11
1
75
103
28
18, ...
White pine, .
11
11
1
90
103
13
19, ...
White pine, .
10
11
2
75
103
28
20, ...
White pine,
10
11
2
75
103
28
22, ...
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
23, ...
White pine,
12
14
1
105
158
53
24, ...
White pine, .
9
9
2
60
70
10
25, ...
White pine,
10
11
1
75
103
28
27, ...
White pine, .
11
13
1
90
138
48
29, ...
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
31, ...
White pine, . .
7
8
2
40
58
18
33, ...
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
34, ...
White pine,
6
7
2
30
45
15
36, ...
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
43, ...
White pine, . .'
7
7
1
40
45
5
45, ...
Larch, . . .
7
7
1
40
45
5
46, ...
White pine,
3
3
3
5
8
3
47, ...
White pine, .
4
4
3
10
15
5
48, ...
White pine,
8
9
2
50
70
20
49, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
30
38
8
50, ...
White pine, . : .
6
7
2
30
45
15
54, ...
White pine, . .
7
8
. 2
40
58
18
55, ...
White pine, . .
6
7
2
30
45
15
56, ...
White pine, .
6
7
2
30
45
15
57, .
White pine, . .
9
10
1
60
85
25
58, ...
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
59, ...
White pine, . .
7
8
2
40
58
18
60, ...
White pine,
6
7
2
30
45
15
61, ...
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
68, ...
Larch, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
69, ...
Larch, .
5
6
2
15
38
23
70, . ,,. ' , ,
Larch, . . .
5
5
2
15
25
10
7i, ...•«:
White pine, . .
12
15
1
120
180
60
72, ...
White pine,
6
8
3
30
58
28
23
Sample Plot No. 2 (Government Plot No. 5} — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
^73,
White pine, .
13
15
1
120
180
60
74, ...
White pine, .
13
15
1
120
180
60
76, ...
White pine, .
15
16
1
160
205
45
77, ...
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
78, .
White pine, «
16
18
1
180
295
115
79, ...
White pine, . .
14
15
1
140
180
40
80, . •'• . -.
White pine, .
17
18
1
200
295
95
81, . . V
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
260
20
83, ...
White pine,
14
17
1
140
260
20
84, ...
White pine,
15
16
1
160
205
45
86, ...
White pine,
11
11
1
90
103
13
87
White pine, ,
8
10
3
50
85
35
88, •
White pine, .
11
12
1
90
120
30
90, ;
White pine, .
10
10
2
75
85
10
92, . V
White pine, .
9
9
2
60
70
10
93,
White pine, . .
11
13
1
90
138
48
94, . . .
White pine,
8
9
2
50
70
20
96,
White pine, . .
12
13
1
105
138
33
99,
White pine, .
11
11
2
90
103
13
100, „•'•' . V
White pine, .
11
11
-
90
103
13
102,
White pine, . . 'j
11
12
1
90
120
30
103,
White pine, . .:
9
9
1
60
70
10
105,
White pine, . .
11
12
1
90
120
30
106,
White pine, .-*" .
9
9
2
60
70
10
107,
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
108,
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
112,
White pine,
14
16
1
140
205
65
113, . . $•
White pine, .
9
9
2
60
70
10
114,
White pine, .
9
9
-
60
70
10
120, . ;^
White pine, .
8
3
50
58
8
121,
Larch,
6
7
2
30
45
15
122, .
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
123,
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
103
28
124,
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
127,
White pine, .
7
7
2
40
45
5
24
Sample Plot No. 2 (Government Plot No. 5} — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
128, . •-'.._. .
White pine, .
10
10
2
75
85
10
129, . - ,
White pine, . \ .
8
9
1
50
70
20
131,
White pine, ,
12
14
1
105
158
53
132,
White pine,
11
12
1
90
120
30
133,
White pine, .
13
14
1
120
158
38
136,
White pine, .
12
14
1
105
158
53
137,
White pine, .
10
12
1
75
120
45
138, . . .
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
144,
White pine, .
9
10
2
60
85
25
145,
White pine, .
8
9
1
50
70
20
146,
White pine,
11
11
1
90
103
13
147, . . .
Hemlock,
3
4
4
5
15
10
148,
Hemlock, . .
3
4
5
5
15
10
149,
White pine, . . j
9
9
2
60
70
10
150,
White pine, .
.7
7
3
40
45
5
151,
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
152,
White pine, .
8
9
1
50
70
20
154, ... .
White pine, .
9
11
1
60
103
43
157, . . .
White pine, .
11
12
1
90
120
30
158, . . .
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
159,
White pine, .
7
7
2
40
45
5
161, . . «••
White pine, .
8
9
1
50
70
20
162,
White pine, . ;
6
7
2
30
45
15
164, ...
White pine, . .
10
11
1
75
103
28
166, . . .
White pine, . •• .
9
10
1
60
85
25
167,
White pine,
7
8
2
40
58
18
168, ...
White pine,
9
9
2
60
70
10
169,
White pine, . .
10
12
1
75
120
45
170,
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
172,.
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
173
White pine, .
10
10
2
75
85
10
174, ...
White pine, .
10
12
1
75
120
45
175, . . .-;
White pine, .
7
8
2
40
50
10
177,
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
178,
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
25
Sample Plot No. 2 (Government Plot No. 5} — Concluded.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
179,
White pine, .
11
11
1
90
103
13
180,
White pine, .
8
9
2
50
70
20
181,
White pine,
9
9
2
60
70
10
182,
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
185,
White pine, .
6
8
3
30
58
28
186,
White pine, .
11
11
1
90
103
13
187, . . v
White pine, .
8
8
2
50
58
8
188,
189,
White pine, .
Larch,
10
| 6
11
6
1
2
75
30
103
38
28
8
191,
White pine, .
11
12
1
90
120
30
193,
White pine, .
9
10
1
60
85
25
195,
White pine, ., .
10
11
1
75
103
28
196,
White pine, .
10
10
1
75
85
10
197,
White pine, .v .
12
13
1
105
138
33
199,
White pine, .
12
13
1
105
138
33
200, ...
White pine, . .J
12
13
1
105
138
33
201,
White pine, . .
8
9
1
50
70
20
202, . . .
White pine, .
10
11
1
75
103
28
203,
White pine, .
11
12
1
90
120
30
204,
Larch,
9
9
1
60
70
10
207,
Larch, .
5
6
2
15
38
23
212,
Larch, . . .
5
5
2
15
25
10
213,
Larch,
6
6
2
30
38
8
215,
Total,
White pine, .
11
13
1
90
138
48
-
-
-
9,820
13,371
3,551
Average height, 1905, 50 feet.
Average height, 1914, 55 feet.
Summary of Data.
Total board feet to acre, 1905, .
Total board feet to acre, 1914, .
Total gain in board feet per acre,
Current annual gain in board feet per acre,
. 19,640
. 26,742
. 7,102
789
26
Sample Plot No. 3 (Government Plot No. 6).
Area, K acre; age, forty-three years.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
3, ...
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
8
5, ...
White pine, .
11
12
1
115
150
35
7, ...
White pine, . .
6
6
2
35
48
13
8, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
10, ...
White pine, .
6
7
1
35
48
13
11, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
12, ...
White pine, .
6
7
1
35
58
23
13, ...
White pine,
6
7
2
35
58
23
14, ...
White pine,
5
6
2
20
48
28
15, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
16, ...
White pine, . .
10
11
1
95
130
35
21, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
22, ...
White pine, .
5
6
2
20
48
28
23, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
24, ...
White pine, .
7
9
1
50
93
43
25, ...
White pine, .
9
11
1
80
130
50
27, ...
White pine, .
6
7
1
35
58
23
29, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
30, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
31, ...
White pine, .
6
7
2
35
58
23
33, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
35, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
44, ...
White pine, . .
6
7
2
35
58
23
45, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
46, ...
White pine, . .
8
9
1
65
93
28
49, ...
White pine, .
7
8
2
50
75
25
53, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
54, ...
White pine, .
8
9
2
65
93
28
55, ...
White pine,
8
9
2
65
93
28
56, ...
White pine, .
7
8
2
50
75
25
57, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
59, .. .
White pine, .
6
7
2
35
58
23
61, . .
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
63, .
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
27
Sample Plot No. 3 (Government Plot No. 6} — Concluded.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
64, ...
White pine, .
5
7
2
20
58
38
66, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
67, ...
White pine,
8
9
3
65
93
28
69, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
71, ...
White pine, .
9
10
1
80
110
30
73, ...
White pine, .
9
10
1
80
110
30
74, . . --._.
White pine,
8
9
2
65
93
28
75, . . .
White pine,
7
8
2
50
75
25
76, . . ...
White pine, .
6
6
3
35
48
13
77, ...
White pine, .
9
10
1
80
110
30
78, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
81, ...
White pine, . " .
9
9
1
80
83
13
83, ...
White pine, . .
7
7
2
50
58
8
85, . . ..
White pine, . .
6
7
2
35
58
23
86, . . <-.
White pine, .
8
10
1
65
110
45
87, . .
White pine,
5
5
2
20
35
15
89, ...
Wnite pine, . . \
7
7
2
50
58
8
91, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
92, . ; •«
White pine, . . ; .1
7
7
2
50
58
8
94, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
101,
Total,
White pine, .
9
11
1
80
130
50
-
-
-
2,860
4,135
1,275
Average height, 1905, 60 feet.
Average height, 1914, 65 feet.
Summary of Data.
Total board feet per acre, 1905, .
Total board feet per acre, 1914, .
Total gain in board feet per acre,
Current annual gain in board feet per acre,
. 22,880
. 33,080
. 10,200
. 1.133
28
Sample Plot No. 4 (Government Plot No. 7).
Area, H acre; age, forty-three years.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
1, . . .
White pine, . .
6
7
2
35
58
23
2,
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
3, . . .
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
5, ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
7, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
8, ...
White pine,
5
5
2
20
35
15
9, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
10, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
12, .- . .
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
8
13, ...
White pine, .
6
6
1
35
58
23
16, ...
White pine, .
6
6
1
35
48
13
17, ...
White pine, .
6
6
2
35
48
13
18, ...
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
8
19, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
20, ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
21, ...
White pine,
4
5
3
10
35
25
22, ...
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
8
23, ...
White pine,
8
10
1
65
110
45
24, ...
White pine, .
5
6
2
20
48
28
25, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
26, . . '- .
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
27, ...
White pine, . , .
6
6
2
35
48
13
29, ...
White pine, . .
7
7
2
50
58
8
30, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
35, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
36, ...
White pine, .
4
4
3
10
15
5
37, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
38, ...
White pine, .
6
7
1
35
58
23
39, ...
White pine, .
4
5
2
10
35
25
41, ...
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
8
42, . . .
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
43, . . ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
46, . . |
White pine, .
7
8
1
35
75
40
48, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
29
Sample Plot No. 4 (Government Plot No. 7} — Continued.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER.
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
49, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
51, ...
White pine,
8
9
1
65
93
28
52, ...
White pine,
7
7
2
50
58
8
53, ...
White pine, .
7
8
1
50
75
25
55,
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
56,
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
57, ...
White pine, .
4
4
3
10
15
5
58, ,
White pine,
4
4
3
10
15
5
59, ...
White pine, . .
9
9
1
80
93
13
60, ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13 .
61, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
62, ...
White pine, .
5
6
3
20
48
28
63,
White pine, .
4
5
2
10
35
25
64, ...
White pine, .
5
6
2
20
48
28
65, ...
White pine, .
7
9
1
50
93
43
66, ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
68, ...
White pine, .
6
7'
2
35
58
23
70, ...
White pine,
7
8
2
50
75
25
71, ...
White pine, .
7
7
1
50
58
58
72, ...
White pine,
10
11
1
95
130
3
73,
White pine,
5
5
2
20
35
15
74, ...
White pine,
5
5
2
20
35
15
75, ...
White pine,
6
6
2
35
48
13
76, ...
White pine,
6
6
3
35
38
13
77, ...
White pine,
9
11
1
80
130
50
79, ...
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
81, ...
Whitejpine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
82, ...
White pine,
8
8
2
65
75
10
83, ...
White pine, .
5
6
2
20
48
28
85. ...
White pine, .
7
8
2
50
75
25
86, ...
White pine, .
8
8
1
65
75
10
87, ...
White pine, .
7
7
2
50
58
8
88, ...
White pine,
6
7
2
35
58
23
89, ...
White pine,
4
4
3
10
15
5
98, ...
White pine,
11
12
1
115
150
35
30
Sample Plot No. 4 (Government Plot No. 7) — Concluded.
TREE NUMBER.
Species.
DIAMETER
BREAST HIGH
(INCHES).
Class.
BOARD FEET.
Gain
in
Board
Feet.
1905.
1914.
1905.
1914.
99, ...
White pine, .
5
5
2
20
35
15
101, . . . >
White pine, .
6
7
2
35
58
23
102,
White pine, .
8
9
1
65
93
28
105, . . .-
White pine, .
5
5
3
20
35
15
106,
White pine, .
6
6
3
35
48
13
107,
White pine, .
6
6
3
35
48
13
108, . f .
White pine, .
6
6
3
35
48
13
109,
White pine, .*
6
6
3
35
48
13
110, . . ; .
White pine, .
5
5 •
3
20
35
15
Ill, . . ' v
White pine, .
8
8
2
65
75
10
112,
White pine, .
11
12
1
115
150
35
113,
Total, . 1 |
White pine,
8
8
1
65
75
10
-
-
-
3,345
4,835
1,490
Average height, 1905, 60 feet.
Average height, 1914, 65 feet.
Summary of Data.
Total board feet to acre, 19C5, .
Total board feet to acre, 1914, . . . ^ ,
Total gain in board feet per acre,
Current annual gain in board feet per acre,
. 26,760
. 38,6,80
. 11,920
. 1,324
South Lancaster, Mass. — Owner, Mrs. Abbie F. Kilburn.
History. — This plantation joins that of Mr. Harold Parker,
only a stone wall separating the two lots. It was made by
Mr. Jonas Goss, and was planted in two sections, aged sixty
years and forty-one years, respectively. The spacing was 6 by
8 feet. Since that time trees of various ages have been added
around the edges. A survey was therefore necessary to show
the areas of the original lots of even aged trees, which are: for
the sixty-year old lot, 2.11 acres, and for the forty-one year old
lot, 2.02 acres. If all trees are included, the area is 7 acres, and
the figures given under "Treatment" were worked out on that
basis by Mr. W. G. Kilburn.
Treatment. — In 1908 a thinning was made under the direc-
31
tion of this office, and about one-third of the trees removed.
The following is a record of the lumber taken out : —
Box boards, . 14,000 feet.
Wood, 40 cords.
Cost of brush burning, $35
Stumpage price received for lumber, $8 per M.
Stumpage price received for wood, $1 per cord.
Profit per acre, $20
Net profit, . ' $150
While this work was going on the small dead branches so
persistent on white pine were removed from the trunks of the
trees in order to improve the general appearance of the grove.
The thinning was not made so much with the idea of an imme-
diate profit, as to increase the value of the plantation. While
six years is not sufficient time to judge accurately as to the
increase in growth due to thinning, the trees have every ap-
pearance of being stimulated by the added light received. This
is shown by the healthy bark, green tops and absence of any
dead or dying trees.
Section 1 .
Area, 2.11 acres; age, sixty years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
6
7
210
7
19
950
8
60
3,900
9
130
10,400
10
152
14,440
11
155
17,825
12,
148
19,980
13
69
10,695
14
32
5,600
15,
16
3,200
16,
12
2,760
17
8
2,080
Total
808
92040
Total number of trees to acre, 383.
Total board feet to acre, 43,620.
Average height, 60 feet.
32
Section 2.
Area, 2.02 acres; age, forty-one years.
DIAMETER BREAST HIGH (INCHES).
Number of
Trees.
Board Feet.
5,
6, . . .
5
21
50
630
7,
57
2 565
8, . .
122
7015
9, . . . .
10,
151
116
10,570
9,860
11
12,
102
46
10,455
5,520
13,
26
3 575
14,
5
788
15
3
540
16,
4
820
Total
658
52,388
Total number of trees to acre, 325.
Total board feet to acre, 25,934.
Average height, 55 feet.
East Taunton, Mass. — Owner, Miss Margaret Dean.
History. — About 1854 David Dean, a brother of the present
owner, set out this plantation of white pine near his home, and
about 1880 another lot adjoining was planted. Field trees
were used and spaced 10 by 10 feet.
Object. — At that time the " American Agriculturist," pub-
lished in New York, was advertising the planting of pine, and
the original owner was one of those who became interested in
forest planting.
Treatment. — This tract, while an excellent illustration of the
growth of New England white pine, would have increased from
2 to 3 inches in diameter growth if it had been thinned at the
proper time. A few trees have died out, and some were blown
down during a heavy gale. Observations were made of the
stumps of these trees. The last 20 annual rings were scarcely
thicker than a sheet of paper, showing a tendency towards
stagnation. For the first twenty years the rings show a growth,
in some cases, better than normal.
33
The measurements were made early in the year (1914), and
the total results placed upon the records in the State Forester's
office. The inch classes are therefore omitted.
Section 1, Sixty-one Year Old Plantation.
Area, 1H acres.
Total number of trees, 400.
Average height, 60 feet.
Board feet to acre, 41,000.
Section 2. Thirty-eight Year Old Plantation.
Area, 1% acres.
Total number of trees, 375.
Average height, 50 feet.
Board feet to acre, 29,000.
Georgetown, Mass. — Owner, H. E. Guptill.
History. — Although this timber was measured in 1912, the
totals are here given to show the results of the growth of white
pine planted with Norway spruce. The plantation was forty-
eight years old when measured, and was made with natural
seedlings transplanted from the woods.
White Pine and Norway Spruce.
Area, 2.57 acres; age, forty-eight years.
Total board feet of spruce, 27,000.
Total board feet of pine, 55,000.
Total stand per acre, 33,000 board feet.
CONCLUSION.
The total results of the investigation, in terms of board
measure for pine, are as follows. The two sample plots of tam-
arack and the forty-two roadside trees at Sharon, Mass., are
not included.
Board Feet
per Acre.
Plantations 30 to 40 years old, 21,910
Plantations 40 to 50 years old, 32,726
Plantations 50 to 60 years old, 41,186
34
These results compare favorably with measurements made
by this office of healthy stands of native Massachusetts white
pine. No attempt has been made to show that planted pine,
untreated, would produce more. On only two of the planta-
tions was anything like a systematic thinning made (pages 18 and
31), and in no case were trees removed at an age when an
added amount of light would have given the remaining trees
the maximum amount of growth. The present method of plant-
ing calls for a 6 by 6 foot spacing, but with the idea that thin-
ning is to be done as the trees develop to prevent overcrowding,
to realize something in the way of an income on the plantation,
and to develop the best diameters and heights possible for the
final stand.
In conclusion the reader is referred to the yield tables on pages
37 and 38, representing the financial rotations of white pine
plantations, the one under the present general system of taxing
forest land, and the other under the new forest taxation law
enacted in 1914. These tables are compiled by H. 0. Cook,
supplementary to the financial rotations in his bulletin on
"Forest Mensuration of the White Pine." The volume tables
used in this investigation were taken from the same bulletin.
When we speak of the yield of a pine plantation we think
principally of the amount of lumber which can be cut from the
land. Now, while this is important, the real determining factor
as to whether a plantation is a success or not is the financial
profit that such a plantation will bring. As with any in-
vestment, it is not the amount of business done, but the
profits made which in the last analysis determine failure or
success.
Timber crops are peculiar in that they cannot be harvested
except after a period of years, so that it is not alone
necessary to deduct actual expenses from gross returns in order
to determine net yield, but these expenses must be carried
from the date of their incurrence at some determined rate. As
most savings banks pay 4 per cent., we must use a rate better
than that, and have chosen 5 per cent. The net yield is in
this case, therefore, a speculative profit over and above 5 per
cent.
The gross returns are in this case the stumpage value ob-
35
tained from a yield table made by measuring sample plots in
well-stocked natural stands in all parts of this State. Natural
stands were taken because of the limited number of plantations
that can be taken for this purpose. It will be seen on com-
parison, however, that the amounts given in the table are in
substantial agreement with the average shown by the planta-
tions described in this bulletin. The stumpage rates chosen
run from $6 to $10, and are the rates of the present day, no
allowance being made for the increase that future years will
bring.
In compiling these tables certain assumptions were made,
based on actual experience. The cost of the land is assumed
to be the first expense, and is placed at $5 per acre. The
second premise is the cost of planting which is placed at $12
per acre. These two expenses must be carried at compound
interest from the beginning to the end of the rotation.
We have presented two tables, one of which shows the re-
turns of a plantation taxed under the present general system,
and the other for the same plantation registered under the new
taxation law. We have assumed the tax rate to be $20 per
thousand. The land, of course, pays taxes from the beginning,
but the timber not until the twenty-fifth year. In the case of
classified land it pays no tax until it is cut, when it pays a
product tax of 6 per cent. All of these expenses are carried at
5 per cent, compound interest to the end of the rotation, and
we see that in the case of unclassified land the maximum yield
comes at fifty years, when there is an excess profit of $60. In
the case of registered land the maximum yield comes at fifty
years, and there is an excess profit of $140, or two and a half
times that of the unregistered. It should be said here, however,
that in the case of the unclassified land we have assumed that
the assessors taxed it at its full value, which is unusual in
practice.
We would urge that every owner of a young artificial planta-
tion should register his land, for it will be seen that while the
owner of Plantation 1 invested in actual cash $83 on his timber
in fifty years, the owner of the registered Plantation 2 only
risked $40 in cash. On account of the time element and risk
of a forest plantation the owner should take every opportunity
36
of keeping down his money investment. At present prices on
lumber, a pine plantation is a 6 or 7 per cent, investment in
Massachusetts, but an increase in stumpage values of what-
ever per cent, will make a corresponding increase in the re-
turns. In other words, the planter of the present day can as-
sume that he is investing for a 10 or 12 per cent, return rather
than a 6 or 7 per cent, return.
37
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