Problems Arising from the Loss of Our Chestnut.

S

INCE the complete failure of Pennsylvania's elaborate effort to combat the Chestnut Blight Fungus in 1911 to 1913 there has been a marked falling off of publicity in the matter. The general public seems to have forgotten that there is such a public calamity as the progressive, total and inexorable destruction of all chestnut timber, moving relentlessly across the State. The disease rolls like a tidal wave, from the Delaware west and south, somewhat retarded by the wider agricultural limestone valleys where chestnut has never grown. For fifty miles west of Philadelphia the chestnut is completely swept, the gaunt white skeletons of trees often still protruding their branches mutely toward the sky in contrast to the living green crowns of the oaks. Along the east side of the Cumberland Valley the infection is at least 95 per cent. complete and 75 per cent. of the crowns dead. Going west along the Lincoln Highway the disease is less and less advanced. At Bedford the trees are observed to have possibly a 30 per cent. infection though the destruction of the entire tree crowns is as yet less frequent and the gravity of the disease not so apparent to the eye of an inexperienced forest observer. The general public is not awake to the situation. Just recently a public journal in Franklin County came out with large headlines voicing a protest against the order of the Department of Forestry to salvage as much of the wood as possible and keep the forest clear of the tangle of dead wood and the resulting fire menace.

The chestnut bark disease "Endothia parasitica" was first noted in 1904 in the Bronx Park, New York City. In the sixteen years since then it has extended across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, moving most rapidly in line of the heaviest and most continuous chestnut stands in a southwesterly direction.

There is absolutely no information to rest a shadow of a hope on, for its dying out from any cause except the exhaustion of food supplythe blotting out of all native chestnut.

UTILIZATION.

The first problem then and one that has been delayed too long by practically every chestnut timber-land owner is one of immediate utilization. The Pennsylvania Department of Forestry with its limitations of appropriation, scarcity of labor, and lack of market (up to 1918) is now faced with the tremendous problem of market

ing several hundred thousand cords of chestnut, mostly of small size, within the next three years. A failure to get this out will subject its forests in the southern part of the State to a fire hazard that could easily ruin a large part of the other forest species left in them.

Private owners from Franklin County west should be encouraged to at once begin the marketing of chestnut even though in the west it may not all be infected. To wait until the infection is general, is to fail to get it all out before the wood deteriorates.

At present the markets are good and if there is no great falling off in general production for three or four years the situation may still be largely retrieved. The lumber market readily

absorbs mill run chestnut at $35 a thousand board feet at the railroad; allowing general manufacturing costs of $20 from stump to car, this shows a net stumpage return of $15 per thousand feet for stumpage close to market. A four mile haul would reduce this to probably $10.

Railroad ties are now bought at from 75 cents to $1.50 each, depending on the grade; this furnishes about the same stumpage return as lumber.

Chestnut shingles sell for $8 per M. and (calculating 5,000 shingles to 1,000 board feet of logs) are seen to give a larger gross return than lumber. The extra expense of manufacture, however, would decrease the net stumpage over lumber, and a chestnut timber owner should permit only the smaller trees, say from 6 to 10 inches dbh., to be manufactured into shingles along with short sound cuts from larger defective trees.

The stave market is even a better market than shingles for 5 to 10 inch chestnut, since the market is a wider one, including all kinds of slack cooperage barrels and kegs.

The closest utilization is obtained in cutting chestnut extract wood for tanning extract. The extract plants pay from $6 to $10 per cord of 128 cubic feet stacked in car. The latter price nets from $1 to $3 per cord stumpage for hauls of 4 mi. and one-half mi. respectively and a $3 freight rate.

FREIGHT RATES.

Foresters and lumbermen talk a great deal about the effect of taxes on the producing of timber by forestry methods, but the problem of freight rates is of many times the importance of the tax problem in retarding the development of forestry methods. As a concrete example the State pays a commodity freight rate of $1.40 per 2,000 pounds ($2.90 per cd. of green wood) on chestnut cordwood from Mont Alto to New

port-a distance of 100 to 110 miles. In 1912 the Pennsylvania Railroad established an emergency rate on blighted chestnut of 35 cents per ton up to 70 mi. increasing to 55 cents at 101 mi. with 5 cents increase for each additional 10 miles' haul up to 190 miles. The present rate is over 21⁄2 times that emergency rate. Without discounting the undoubted need of the railroads for more revenue this Association could well go on record asking for the restoration of emergency rates on chestnut not to exceed 100 per cent. higher than those of 1912. These emergency rates ought to apply to distances over 75 to 100 miles particularly, to permit the removal from forest areas more distant from market dying chestnut which will otherwise endanger the forest. Shorter hauls will need no special rates at the present market. The 1912 rates are given below:

If these rates allowing all the percentage increases in general freight rates since added, could be secured and extended to include mine props, the cleaning of Pennsylvania forests of dying chestnut could be carried out and the later fire hazard greatly decreased.

The rates should not be limited to intra-State shipments but should have the approval of the Interstate Commerce Commission so as to apply to interstate shipments and junction points as well as joint rates. The obliteration of the chestnut is not a State but a National calamity. WHAT WILL REPLACE CHESTNUT IN THE FOREST?

The replacing of chestnut with other species permits at least two type cases to be differentiated. All stages merging imperceptibly from one to the other are found but their handling will approach one or the other of these two.

(1) When the chestnut is much scattered and does not form more than 20 per cent. of the stand, the other species will crowd in from the

sides and fill the openings without any effort on the part of the forest manager. In this case it would be wise to observe a full seed crop of some species in the mixture, that would be most desirable to increase-say white or red oak, or in southern ravines yellow poplar, and white pine in the north-and then plan the removal of the chestnut so that the logging would be completed by the time the seed had fallen. The stirring of the soil incident to the logging would act to greatly increase the catch of the tree seed being scattered. Where chestnut is a minor tree in a stand of chestnut or rock oak, the case is the same, but even less thought is necessary beyond removal of the chestnut and the fire hazard. Rock oak is such a prolific seeder that it will replace the chestnut in short order.

Case one applies to the chestnut replacement problem in the northern half of the State and is no great cause for worry on the part of the forester in this section.

(2) In the southern portion of the State the problem becomes more difficult. Chestnut forms from 40 to 90 per cent. on more or less extensive areas and its removal leaves openings that cannot at once be filled up by the surrounding hardwoods. Leaving these openings blank for several years would result in scrub oak, laurel and other forest weeds gaining a foothold and making the establishment of a close forest cover still more difficult. Where chestnut has formed an almost pure stand the soil, and soil moisture conditions are favorable to tree growth. The rapid growth of the chestnut from sprouts has kept the forest weeds in check admirably so that on such sites the removal of the chestnut leaves a situation peculiarly favorable for artificial reforestation. Only where there is a uniformly scattered stand of seed trees of some prolific seeder like the chestnut oak can natural seeding be relied on in time to prevent the deterioration of the site through drying out of the soil and humus and the establishment of the shrubby forest weeds.

In artificial reforestation rapid growing species are to be favored and often at the same time the hardwood forest can be converted to coniferous forest. White pine on lower and moister areas, with red pine, pitch pine, scotch pine and jack pine in order, for upper, drier slopes. We have made more progress with artificial coniferous forest replacement, than with the hardwoods. This is natural and proper, for the coniferous forests produce the better financial returns. The early logging methods have also generally worked in the direction of replacing conifers with hard

woods, and forest fires (if we except jack and lodgepole pine regions) everywhere have had the same effect. Our coniferous forest areas in the east have, therefore, been on the rapid decrease. Whether the clearing of hardwood forest for agricultural use has kept pace with this conversion of coniferous forest to hardwood is a question in the entire country. In Pennsylvania we know it has not.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.

Unless we can replace the chestnut in the southern part of the State with rapid growing species, the forest production must suffer a large decrease and the capital value of forest property decline accordingly. On the Mont Alto Forest of 22,000 acres chestnut forms approximately 50 per cent, of the stand, as an average on all sites. On some sites it is a very minor component and on others forms almost pure stands. Chestnut in pure stand produced a cord per acre per year as shown by our sample plots. White and chestnut oaks will not produce more than 30 to 40 per cent. as much and scarlet and red oaks 50 to 60 per cent, of the same quantity. Replacing chestnut with the oaks would, therefore, decrease the production of this forest over 50 per cent., as chestnut oak would be the largest factor in a natural replacement. The increased value of oak over chestnut would only be obtained in larger sizes and longer rotations, and this would be more than offset by the failure to secure the profit in the early oak thinnings that are possible in the chestnut.

The decrease in the capital value of the forest where oak replaces chestnut may be estimated on the basis of this decreased yield. A decrease of one-half cord total volume (150 board feet of merchantable stuff), at a net stumpage rate of $8 per thousand would be an annual loss of $1.20 per acre, or at 5 per cent. would represent a decrease in earning capital of $24 per acre of forest. Facing such a loss the forester will permit chestnut to be replaced by the slow growing oaks only if he cannot replace the chestnut with any of the quick growing conifers or hardwoods. The financial loss will permit of considerable expense in artificial reforestation.

Experiments under way on the Mont Alto Forest, under direction of the State Forest Academy, show that on the more favorable chestnut sites, approximately pure stands of chestnut can be replaced successfully, both from the silvicultural and financial view point, with white and other pines artificially planted. Experiments on natural seeding from scattered chestnut oak seed trees are too recent to announce results as yet.

The loss in the compulsory cutting of immature chestnut, and chestnut too small for any utilization is tremendous, and for the Mont Alto State Forest will be several hundred thousand dollars.

SUMMARY.

All chestnut must be utilized at the earliest possible moment. Prices are good now.

The fire hazard requires the removal of chestnut even where some loss results. To help this situation the freight rates on small chestnut products like cordwood and mine props should be fixed at merely the operating cost to the railroads, on the order of the rates of 1912 extended to interstate points, junction points and joint rates. The chestnut situation is a national forest calamity and emergency measures are warranted. Where chestnut is a minor component in the forest its replacement is no large problem.

Where chestnut forms a large part of the stand as in southern Pennsylvania artificial regeneration through planting is silviculturally desirable and financially practicable. The State nurseries should keep this situation in mind in their forest seedling production program.

TH

E. A. Ziegler.

The Artistic Anatomy of Trees.

HE study of the artistic anatomy of trees should appeal to the nature lover, the artist, the botanist, the forester and the landscape gardener. The outline of the tree against the sky is characteristic for a considerable number of species. The most general classification of tree forms is into the deliquescent trees, like the elm, which break out into smaller and smaller branches and branchlets until the tree is lost in the multiplicity of such ramifications. The excurrent trees are those with a spire-shaped top, as in the firs and spruces. Tree roots also are important in such a study, for some tropical trees are perched on stilt-like roots, as in the screw-pine and red-mangrove. The base of many trees is swollen, or buttressed, and some palms become bottle-shaped. Many trees can be distinguished by their bark, as the plane tree and beech. The finer details of the various species have been examined carefully and much of interest is connected with the arrangement of leafscars and buds and the method of branching, whether alternate or opposite.

The landscape gardener is interested in using trees as elements in his gardening operations. We can learn much by studying natural groups

of trees and the conditions under which various trees grow in nature, whether in dry soil, or wet soil, whether in the forest, or in the open. Lastly, various celebrated artists have reproduced upon canvas their conception of the anatomy of trees and have used trees as elements in their paintings along with architectural details, including man and various domestic animals.

John W. Harshberger.

Stuart State Forest.

N the summit of Laurel Hill, a spur of the Alleghenies, lies the Stuart Forest, relatively small, but the largest State-owned body of land on the Ohio watershed. Though little known, this forest is within twenty miles of Johnstown and is but little more than two hours' drive from the second city of the State.

Although approaching within six miles of Ligonier, the centre of the Ligonier Valley which nature has endowed with beauty and wealth, and extending within two miles of the Lincoln Highway at the crest of the Laurel Hill Mountain, the forest is not readily accessible. The absence of roads and trails by which it should be connected with the main highway, makes it a vast recreation ground so very near, yet so far from the people of Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania that while the multitude long for the joy which may be found within its limits, few have the opportunity to learn of its beauty and charm.

Within its boundary is embraced an area of 8,532 acres, which is almost equally divided by the line separating Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Bald Knob, the highest point on the Stuart Forest, rises to an elevation of 2,907 feet, or 1,767 feet above the level of the railroad depot at Ligonier, less than ten miles distant.

It was repeatedly swept by devastating forest fires before its purchase by the Commonwealth. During the twelve year period that the Department of Forestry has controlled it, it has suffered little injury and the young growth which is rapidly shooting upward gives assurance that nature will provide forest production if human. effort will assist in its protection.

Artificial reforestation has been undertaken with a good measure of success in the more favorable situations, and 909,695 forest tree seedlings have been planted. More than 75 per cent. of these are thriving. Some of them have given way to the dense natural growth.

Chestnut, red oak, white oak, ash, yellow poplar, basswood, and hickory are found commonly.

The young growth of the three last named species, which occurs along the cool and shady hillsides and slopes, is especially promising. Black locust forms the principal stand of the high and dry slopes and has as its chief competitor the fire cherry with sassafras as a close second. Scattered hemlock adds a tint of green to the stream bottoms and a few rugged jack pine stand out very prominently on the crest.

Laurel Summit cabin, on the summit of Laurel Hill, was erected primarily as a dancing pavilion by the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad Company. The railroad, after living through a checkered career, was finally abandoned. The cabin is now a forest camp and is frequently referred to as "The Lookout" because of the grand panoramic view of Somerset and Somerset county which the observer finds at this point.

Lynn Run, which penetrates the forest for a distance of eight miles, is a habitat unexcelled for brook trout. However, due to insufficient stocking, trout are too scarce to supply all of the numerous anglers with full creels. Clear Run, Furnace Run, North Fork, Powder Mill Run, and Beam Run, all are terms well known to local fishermen,

Three permanent camps have been located on the Stuart Forest. Applications for two others are on hand. Additional requests for camping permits, almost innumerable, have been received, but prospective recreationists find the more favorable locations too hard to reach. There are no good roads and few that are even passable.

V. M. Bearer.

In giving its support of Fire-Prevention Week, the Forest Service calls attention to the appalling losses which fires of various origins have caused in recent years. The average annual loss in the United States from forest fires during the last three-year period (that ending with 1918) was $20,727,000. The average of the areas burned annually was 13,969,000 acres. The burning of brush in the process of clearing land was responsible for a yearly average of 5,173 fires in the period. Railroads, incendiaries and campers were also responsible for a large number of conflagrations.

The Auditor General of Pennsylvania has given an opinion that any money that can be collected for the cost of forest fire extinction may be used to help pay the cost of future fire fighting.