Georgia forest lookout [Jan. 1932]

Volume 2

ATLANTA, GA., JANUARY, 1932

Number 1

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

MRS. J. L. WALKER

CONSOLIDATION PLAN

FOREST LOOKOqT

FORESTRY PIONEER

N,OW IN EFFECT

Ex- The Georgia Forest Lookout has ap-
peared for twelve consecutive months. In

One of the very first to get a vision of forestry in Georgia is Mrs. J. L. Walker of Waycross. Before Mr. Bonnell H. Stone

Department of

Forestry and Geolog-

each issue an attempt has been made to and others inaugurated a statewide move- ical Development Came Into

promote the interests of forestry in Geor- ment in forestry, Mrs. Walker was putting gia. How well this purpose has been serv-- on a forestry program in Ware comity. ed is left to the judgment of our readers. Year after year, she visited the schools of
The second year of the Lookout is the county proclaiming a message the sublaunched with a determination to make it ject of which was: "Stop burning the wire-

istence January 1 - Forestry and Geological Interests Now Directed by a Commission Headed by Governor Russell- New Unit Starts

better. To" make it bigger is not now pos- grass and thereby aid in reforestation." Auspiciously.

sible. Readers are invited to suggest how to make the publications better ~. d d 1o contribute items of interest.
FOREST FIRE PUMPS
NOW AVAILABLE
T e board of forestry authorized the pu nase ~~ IIi number of portable fire pumps to q_k locatec t each office of the as istant state fon , ,~i"S and dist~ict foresters especially to .. st unorganized timber owners. These pumps are now available at Macon, Waycross, Savannah, Albany, Columbus, Rome and Gainesville.

Mrs. Walker has not only advanced the interests of forestry by her talks but by writings in the local paper. In the Waycross Journal of December 24, 1924, Mrs. Walker outlined a comprehensive program of forestry activities including forest parks, roadside beautification, forestry programs for schools, activities for civic organizations in forestry and forestry legislation.
Mrs. Walker has been active in women's club work. Her valuable contributions to forestry in Georgia are gratefully recognized, and it is with pleasure that she is given a place in the gallery of notable pioneers or forestry in Georgia.

With January 1, the Department of Forestry and Geological Development came into existence. The Georgia Forest Service and the Georgia Geological Survey are now operating as a unit under a commission. Members of this commission are Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr., (exofficio). chairman; Bonnell Stone, Oxford; C. B. Harman, Atlanta; Leonard Rountree, Summit; Alex Sessoms, Cogdell; Mrs. M. E. Judd, Dalton, and one member to be appointed.
The last meeting of the Georgia State Board of Forestry was held in November. At this meeting a resolution was passed by

The board also authorized pqmp manu-

those who are to continue on the new

facturers to ship on consignment a num-

board, thanking the retiring members for

ber of pumps to the Georgia Forest Ser-

their valuable services in promoting the

vice, these to be sold at cost to landowners.

interests of forestry in Georgia. The old

This was to quickly supply the widespread

members who are not on the new commis-

demand for pumps during the fall out-

sion are: Secretary of State John Wilson;

break of fires. No local supplies were then available.

J. Phil Campbell, Athens; State Geologist S. W. McCallie, Atlanta.

The pumps ordered are 5-gallon size, costing $5.25 each. With express added, the sale price is $5.75. Anyone desiring Pumps can order from the nearest forestry office mentioned above.

At the time this issue of the Georgia Forest Lookout goes to press the new commission had not met and organized, but preliminary steps have been taken which indicate an auspicious and harmonious launching of the new department.

These portable fire pumps are very useful in spraying down flames so that fire

It is considered fitting, at this time, to give a brief sketch of the members of the

fighters can get in close enough to swat them out and finish up. They are also use-

commission who are to serve this new department.

ful in cleaning up fires in logs, ;;tumps.

Governor Rusaell- I t would be difficult

and snags that may spread fires and cause

to add anything to what the public already

new outbreaks. They also lend themselves to several uses on the farm.

MRS. J. L. WALKER, WAYCROSS, FORESTRY PIONEER

knows about Governor Russell, but it may be stated that His Excellency was reared

2

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT Bonnell H. Stone-Mr. Stone is fre- Station of the federal government at Ashe. quently referred to as the "Father of For- ville.

Published Monthly By

estry in Georgia", because he was one of C. B. Harman-Mr. Harman is identj.

Department of Forestry and Geological Development

GEORGIA FOREST SERVICE

State Capitol

Atlanta, Ga.

C. A. Whittle, Editor

the first to catch a vision of forestry possi- fied with the lumber interests of the bilities in the state and is credited more South, particularly in the manufacturing than anyone else for the upbuilding of for- side of the industry. He was among t he estry in this state. He is a native of New- first to become active in promoting the ton county, educated at Emory Universi- forestry interests of the state, giving much

Staff of the Georgia Forest Service ty and the School of Forestry of the State time and valua):Jle service to the Georgia

B. M. Lufburrow, State Fores~er......Atlanta College of Agriculture. He has followed Forestry Association and . the Georgia

C. A. Whittle, Director of Education and the vocation of forester, first with the fed- State Board of Forestry. He is cha irman

Utilization ----------------------------- ------ Atlanta Everett B. Stone, Jr., Assistant State
Forester -------------------------------- Gainesville H. M. Sebring, Asst. State Forester,
-------------------------------------- Macon C. Bernard Beale, District Forester,

of the Executive Committee of the Geor. gia Forestry Association and has served on the State Board of Forestry from its beginning.
Mr. Harman is the author of technical

--------------------- ----- -------------Waycr o s s

books on millwork and writer of occasion-

W. D. Young, District Forester............Rome

al articles of popular nature. He is a

Jack Thurmond, District Forester, .................................""........ Savannah
Charles N. Elliott, Assistant Director of Education .................................... Atlanta
H. D. Story, Jr., District Forester,
------------------------------- Albany W. G. Wallace, District Forester,
------------ ..------------------------ Columbus Mrs. Nellie Nix Edwards, Secretary to the
State Forester ..............................Atlanta

native of South Carolina but for many years has been a Georgian.
J. Leonard Rountree-Mr. Rountree, a large landowner, farmer, turpentine operator, legislator, benefactor and outstanding citizen of South Georgia, resides at Summit in Emanuel county. As a member of the legislature, he was among the first seeking to enact laws fa-

Mrs. R. S. Thompson, Secretary to Director of Education and Utilization, Atlanta

vorable to the development of forestry in this state. He was a pioneer in promot-

on a farm near Winder; learned the trees

ing the Georgia Forestry Association and

by daily contact and is keenly interested

in the fullest development of the great for-

est possibilities of this state. As chairman of the State Board of Forestry, he has al-

20NNELL H. STONE, OXFORD

ready not only manifested great interest eral government and then as forester of

but has made valuable suggestions and privately owned lands in North Georgia.

given direction to important movements He helped organize the Georgia Forestry

looking to the protection and upbuilding Association, sponsored legislation creating

of Georgia's great forest resources. the Georgia Forest Service, has served as

Friends of f orestry and geology are look- a member of the state forestry board

ing to Chairman Russell with confidence, from its beginning, served as president of

and are expecting forestry and geology in the Southern Forestry Conference and as

Georgia to progress rapidly under his a member of the Advisory Council of the

leadership.

Southern Appalachian Forest Experiment

GOVERNOR RICHARD B. RUSSELL, JR., CHAIRMAN OF BOARD

C. B. HARMAN, ATLANTA

J. LEONARD ROUNTREE, SUMMIT
as a member of the State Board of Forest ry, rendered valuable service in develop ing the work of the Georgia Forest Ser vice.
Mr. Rountree has endeared himself to the region in which he resides by his un selfish and liberal contributions of service and means to the promotion of the wei fare of the people.
Alex K. Sessoms-On e of the big tim her owners of Georgia, who is practicing modern, big-scale forestry, rElsides at Cog dell in South Georgia. He was among the first to catch a vision of forestry in the state, and has been a leader in all public movements looking to its upbuilding. He is recognized as having exceptional busi ness ability and his services to the State Board of Forestry alohg this lin e have been outstanding.



GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

3

Mrs. Judd was appointed by Governor 1925, when the forestry department came

Russell as a member of the State Board into existence. Mr. McCallie has served

of Control in charge of Eleemosynary In- as state geologist for 23 years and, pre-

stitutions of Georgia. She is prominent vious to that, as assistant state geologist

in southern and national women's clubs, for 15 years.

and in park and recreational associations,

--------

in all of which her ability is highly valued.



ALEX. K. SESSOMS, COGDELL
Mr. Sessoms brings to the board his valuable experience in all phases of forestry. His large developments include the operation of a steam turpentine still, private railroad, forest management and forest protection with fire towers, fire equipment, etc.

B. M. LUFBURROW, STATE FORESTER

J . PHIL CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR OF EXTENSION, STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, RETIRING
MEMBER OF OLD FORESTRY BOARD

MRS. M. E. JUDD, DALTON

Mrs. M. E. Judd-The only woman mem-

ber of the board is Mrs. M. E. Judd, Dal-

ton, in this capacity representing women's

organizations of the state in which she has been a leader for many years. By profession, Mrs. Judd is a landscape architect. She practices forestry on her estate

S. W. McCALLIE, STATE GEOLOGIST AND RETIRING MEMBER OF STATE BOARD
OF FORESTRY

JOHN B. WILSON, SECRETARY OF STATE, RETIRING MEMBER OF OLD FORESTRY BOARD
RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS

near Dalton and has been ardent advocate of forest protection, roadside beautification and forest parks.

DIVISION CHIEFS

Members of the State Board of Forestry who retired with the incoming commission

The Department of Forestry and Geo- were given a vote of thanks and appre-

Mrs. Judd has been an active member logical Development has two division chiefs, ciation by the hold-over members at the of the Georgia Forestry Association of B. M. Lufburrow, state forester, and S. W. last meeting of the State Board of For-

Which she is an officer and has been a reg- McCallie, state geologist, each retaining estry. The three retiring members are

ular attendant and constructive worker in the position previously held. Mr. Lufbur- Secretary of State John B. Wilson, J. Phil

the State Board of Forestry. Recently row has been state forester since October, Campbell and S. W. McCallie.

4

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

FORESTERS PLEASED WITH

appears that you have the support of some very influential people behind you and I

GEORGIA-FLORIDA TRIP can see success ahead."-L. F . Cronemill-

er, State Forester, Oregon.

"I want to express my appreciation for

Delighted With Entertainment and the many courtesies shown me on my re-

Instructive

Trip

Through

Forest

cent trip in your state and to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed every part of

Areas of Southland-What Some the program which I thought was exceed-

Visitors Have to Say.

indly well w6rked out and executed. This was my first opportunity of visiting sout h-

ern Georgia and I feel that I gain ed a lot

State. foresters who attended the annual by attending the state foresters' meeting

session of their National Association, held and the field trips. You and Mr. Baker are

in Georgia and Florida, were delighted to be congratulated on a most interest-

with their entertainment and with the in- ing and excellent meeting."-H. J. Eber-

structive trip arranged. State Forester ly, District Forest Inspector, U. S. Forest B. M. Lufburrow has received several let- Service.

ters from the state foresters from which "I want to thank you for your extreme

the following extracts have been taken: courtesy and to compliment you on the "You people in the southeastern part of splendid way in which the Georgia end of

the United States are certainly awake to the trip was planned and put through."-

your problems and it pleases me greatly to C. P. Wilbur, State Forester, New Jersey.

see so many landowners and private citi-

zens really actively engaged in support of the things we foresters feel should be

FORESTRY PAYS IN SOUTH

brought about."-George R. Phillips, State M. B. Pratt, State Forester of Califor-

Charles H. Herty, in charge of research in paper manufacture in commercial labor-

Forester, Oklahoma.
"It was a delight to be back in the state
that gave me my original training. * * *
I was delighted to find so much enthusi-

nia, reporting to the governor on his attendance of the annual meeting of state foresters and of his impressions of for-

atory plant, Savannah, beginning his duties January 1, 1932, using funds appropriated by the State and the Chemical Institute of New York City.

asm exists not only among board members
and members of the Georgia Forestry Association. It can easily be seen why Georgia has progressed so rapidly because it has

estry in the southeast said : "About 215 years ago I was led to believe that the timber resources of the South were practical-

a large cooperative group of citizens who ly exhausted, and that the naval stores in-

BLACK

GUM MAKES GOOD WHITE

PAPER

are thoroughly imbued and enthused with the forestry idea."-V. H. Sonderegger,
State Forester, Louisiana. "I have just returned from my trip to

dustry was about at an end. It is true that most of the virgin timber has been cut, but young timber has come in at an amaz-

Forest Products Laboratory Finds Wood Valuable-Southern Forest W 11 eed" Assumes Importance.

southern Florida and want to take this occasion to thank you for the splendid en-
tertainment which you furnished the state foresters. The trip through southern Georgia was most instructive."-A. F. Hawes,

ing rate and is yielding more turpentine and resin than in former days as well as a large yield of lumber and pulp wood. The high survival of the planted stock is

State Forester, Connecticut.

another indication of the forestry possi-

In a statement made for the Savannah "Allow me to thank you, both person- bilities of this region. The rapid growth

Morning News, Dr. Charles H. Herty, in charge of paper research in Georgia, says of the common black gum of the south:

ally and in the name of our Department,
for the splendid program. * * * * I was
extremely glad to get firsthand information about the growth and distribution of

of the pine trees, coupled with the triple uses, namely, naval stores, lumber and pulp wood, make the practice of forestry

"Experiments made at the United States slash pine. The personal touch with your a more paying proposition than in any re-

Forest Products Laboratory at Madison, Wisconsin, and recently published in the

big second-growth land owners, Mr. Alex Sessoms and Captain I. F. Eldredge, was worth the whole trip. Their enthusiasm

gion I

have seen".

paper trade journals have shown that black gum is one of the most valuable

was good to see."-J. S. Forester, North Carolina.

Holmes,

State

FORESTER

IMPRESSED

WITH

woods for the production of white paper. "I have never attended any meeting

SOUTHERN PINE

It can be fiber and,

readily pulped, giving a strong bec~use of its very light color

where details were worked out so well. It was my first trip down there and it certainly left a favorable impression with me."-

State Forester Lynn F. Cronemiller, of O,regon, reporting impressions of the

as it grows in the woods, requires but little bleaching agent to bring it to the necessary whiteness for the finest uses.

Charles R. Meek, Department of Forests and Waters, Pennsylvania. From the same department, Lewis E. Staley writes:
"You are to be congratulated highly on

southeastern trip of state foresters in "The Forest Log", published by his department, says among other interesting

"Two important facts were bro.ught the excellent planning and putting into ef- things the following: "From statements

out by these researches: First, it has been clearly proven that 1.54 cords of black gum will make the same amount of pulp

fect the whole tour. I heard nothing but
very favorable comment from everyone." "It was a great pleasure to be with you
at the meeting of foresters."-Wm. J.

made by southe\n foresters and what was seen of the piney woods on a several hundred mile trip, it seems apparent that a

as two cords of northern spruce; second, Harris, United States Senator from Geor- timber famine in the south is farther away

that only 5 per cent of bleaching liquor is required for black gum as against 12 to 13 per cent for northern spruce."

gia. "I want to take this opportunity to ex-
press my appreciation to you for the most
instructive trip I enjoyed upon the occa-

at the present time than was indicated ten years ago. The reproduction coming in is remarkable, and what is still more

sion of my visit with the Association of remarkable, the seedlings after reaching a

LOG CABIN PLANS
In response to requests from

several

State Foresters through your state."-W.
S. Taber, State Forester, Delaware. "I wish to thank you very heartily for

height of several feet are very seldom killed by fires. Only in two spots, and

agricultural schools for constructing log the wonderful trip that you and Mr. Baker these were very small areas, was there any

cabins on school forests, blue prints of framed up for us in Georgia and Florida." evidence of fire crowning and killing the

plans were made by C. N. Elliott and sent to all vocational schools. Schools that

-Ben E. Bush, State Forester, Idaho. "It was my first visit to your state, and
I have come back with an entirely differ-

trees. Investigation has proved, however, that the growth of the trees is very se-

have erected cabins enjoy them very much ent idea of your forestry problems. It riously retarded by fires".

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

5

FIRE SITUATION

FOREST FIRE RECORD

Judd, well known landscape architect,

IN NORTH GEORGIA

called for the eventual reforesting of prac-
FOR FALL FAVORABLE tically the entire ten acres in the original

While the early part of the fall was ex-

tract and the open areas on the addition-

tremely dry throughout North Georgia, In Drouth Stricken South Georgia al 12 acres which were presented to the

there was a marked improvement in the Area Burned Over in October and State by the citizens of Jackson.

number of forest fires occurring. Both the National Forest and the timber protective organizations of the Georgia Forest Service report few forest fires occur-

November Only 2}i Per Cent A similar planting carried out last

According to Survey of Georgia spring has been very successful, and, in

Forest Service.

spite of the extreme drouth in that section during the summer months, practi-

ring on the areas under their protection.

cally all of the plants have survived, as a

About the time the leaves begin to fall, A survey made of the burned area of 61 result of the careful attention given them,

which greatly adds to the fire hazard, counties in South Georgia for the months provision having been made so that they

rains occurred generally over this section of October and November show that it is can be watered whenever needed.

and ,practically no fires have been report- only 2'\6 per cent of the forested lands of

ed during the last month.

the area. In view of the long drouth and Indian Springs was visited during the

While fires have occurred to some extent the combustibility of forest material, this last year by more than 50,000 people, and

on private lands which are not under or- is considered an excellent record. The with the completion of more hard-surfaced

ganized protection, it appears that the av- probabilities are that less than the usual roads it is estimated that still larger num-

erage owner is beginning to be aware of the fact that forest fires cause a useless destruction and it is well worth the effort

area was burned over for those two months. This good record is attributed to a growing willingness of the people to

bers will seek recreation in this one of Georgia's two State Forest Parks. E. B. Stone, Jr., Assistant State Forester.

to prevent their occurrence and to sup- fight forest fires.

press them where they do occur.

The alarming reports sent out to papers HARDY TUNG OIL

The mountain region of North Georgia were based on smoke rather than on fire. with its normally heavy rainfall serves as The great amount of smoke is attributed

TREES INTRODUCED

a natural resource, and with the increase to two causes-(1) the unusual swamp The introduction of the tung oil tree in

of protection given this region the more fires that put up a great deal of smoke Florida, South Georgia, and in the Gulf

of the rainfall will be conserved and held and continued burning in many instances region of other southern states, is pro-

for future use rather than running off, for weeks in the peat soil and (2) the gressing rapidly. The tung oil tree pro-

and causing eroded hillsides and swollen long Indian summer weather which kept vides what is known as "wood oil" in trade

streams.

the smoke near the ground.

and is used in paints, varnishes, linoleum,

Emergency fire equipment has been pro-

etc. The supply has been coming from As stated in the December issue of this China.

vided for the Gainesville, Rome, and Co- publication, if fires can be held down

lumbus offices of North Georgia, and land when the hazard has been the greatest in The trees most commonly planted came

owners are invited to call on the district foresters for an inspection or a demonstra-

Years,

they

can

be

held

down

any

time.

from South China and are not winter hardy, hence plantings have been confined

tion of this equipment at any time.

The danger was greatly reduced by the to the lower south. But trees obtained

E. B. Stone, Jr., Assistant State Forester. rains that came in December.

from North China have been introduced

The season of greatest burning is in that can be planted further south.

late winter and early spring. Land own-

TREUTLEN HAS COUNTY-

ers are urged to do as well in that period The Georgia Experiment Station near

WIDE

FOREST

PROGRAM

as they did in the fall. will result in the best

If this is done, it forest fire record

Griffin has been experimenting with tung oil trees for several years. The trees it

County School Superintendent Is Introducing Forestry in All Schools to Teach Importance of Forest Fire Prevention.

the state has ever had.
Attention is called to the fact that the fires of the timber protective organizations have been handled promptly and effectively with comparatively little loss,

has obtained from North China have grown rapidly and are coming into bearing. The indications are that the Experiment Station has found varieties of the tung oil tree that will do well over a great part of the state.

showing that control of forest fires de-

AlJ the schools of Treutlen county, both pends on organized cooperative effort of white and colored, are teaching forestry timber owners.

HALL WINS PRIZE

to all the school children of the county in

H. E. Hall, vocational agricultural

order to develop a forestry consciousness INDIAN SPRINGS PARK

teacher at Omaha Training School, Omaha,

and do all that is possible to stop forest fires.

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Georgia, won the $50 prize for the best

Through the cooperation of Mrs. W. L. Sessions, County School Superintendent, and the efforts of Mr. R. D. Pulliam, Teacher of Vocational Agriculture at Soperton High School, instruction has been aiven and information distributed to all the teachers of the county at county teachers' meetings.

During the first part of December the Georgia Forest Service carried on additional planting operations on the Indian Springs State Forest Park, 330 trees and shrubs being planted out during this operation, the plants being all native trees and shrubs.
This is a part of the regular plan for

work done on the forestry project among colored schools for the school year of 1930-31. This prize was given by the Georgia Forestry Association and was presented by Gordon E. Reynolds, vice-president of the Association, at a colored farmers' meeting held December 4 at the Georgia Normal and Agricultural College, Albany.

Efforts and cooperation of the public is the development of Indian Springs prop-

necessary to successfully combat the great~ forest enemy-fire. Education of the ,PUblic will help to secure this. "Stop for,~ fires--grow timber-it pays," is the ,~llotran.

erty and will result in restoring this area to some of its former glory before the timber was removed after it had passed into the hands of the white man. The plans, which were prepared by Mrs. M. E.

James Fowler, Soperton, Ga., a largescale tree planter of Georgia, will appear on the program of Farmer's Week at the State College of Agriculture, and represent forestry interests of Georgia.

6

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

FOREST CLUB THINS MEMORIAL PARK FOREST

FOURTH DISTRICT W. G. Wallace, District Forester

ment cuttings. Several hundred cords of dead, diseased, and trees of undesirable species were cut into fuel wood last win-

Recently the Stephen Heard chapter of

Columbus

ter for the needy of the city. Trees are

the Daughters of the American Revolu-

marked and are now being cut to supply

tion presented to the state chapter of that organization five acres of land which is said to be the original home site of the daring Nancy Hart, of Revolutionary fame. Since funds for thinning the forest of this new Nancy Hart Memorial Park were insufficient, the leaders of the Stephen Heard chapter called on the Forestry Club

Taylor-TalbotT. P. 0.
Owing to sentiment started by a forestry meeting at Butler, Ga., last September, a timber protective organization has been perfected which embraces a tract of about 15,000 acres of forest land lying in Taylor and Talbot counties.

the needy this winter. The results of these improvement cuttings are not only to fill an urgent need for fuel wood, but the forests are greatly improved since small suppressed trees are liberated by the cutting of the undesirable trees that formerly overtopped them. This system of cutting fuel wood could be used prof-

at Fortsonia for assistance. Mr. F. M. Young, vocational teacher, took his club to the park and did a very creditable job.

Officers of the new organization are W. A. Payne, Pres.; J. S. Green, Vice-pres.; and C. F. Varnedow, Sec.-Treas. Plans for protecting the lands listed in the or-

itably by landowners.
SIXTH DISTRICT

As a reward for their meritorious work, ganization are well under way. Portable Jack Thurmond, District Forester

the Stephen Heard chapter of the Daugh- fire pumps have been purchased and plans ters of the American Revolution gave the are under way to equip a truck with large

Savannah

boys a book shower, which materially incre~sed the library of the school. The

tanks for transporting water to use in hand pumps for controlling woods fires.

Reward of $75.00 Offered for Woods

boys expected no such reward and are According to figures of the Georgia For-

Burners

gratified with the donation.
STUDY OF SWAMP FIRES
The rare outbreak of forest fires in swamps of South Georgia in the fall following a long drouth presented an interesting study for vocational students in that region. To facilitate this study the

est Service there are 130,633 acres of potential forest land in Taylor county. J\ t least 60,000 acres of this must be of the sandy-ridge, longleaf pine type forest land which is well known for its ability to produce fast growing longleaf pines. This entire area should be under intensive protection in order to foster good reproduction and protect the standing timber.

At a recent meeting of the Liberty county T. P. 0. a resolution was passed by the officers and members of the organization to offer $25.00 reward for proof to convict any person or persons caught putting fires on any land listed in the Liberty County Timber Protective Organization. This resolution offering the reward was passed during the extreme dry spell.

Director of Education of the Forest Service sent a number of pertinent questions

Grantville Public School to Plant Bar-

In addition to the reward offered by the Liberty County T. P. 0. the County

to vocational teachers with answers as an

ren City Property With Pines

Commissioners of Liberty county author-

aid to an understanding of the signiftcance

And Blacklocust.

ized the clerk to offer $50.00 reward for

of these fires.

Under the progressive leadership of Mr. proof to convict anyone found ~utting fire

C. S. Colley and Mr. D. C. Peterson, Prin- in any woods in the county. They also

CHAPMAN ADDRESS

cipal of the Grantville public school, a pro- ordered that suitable signs be printed and gram is under way to plant certain areas posted over the county calling the atten-

ON SCHOOL FORESTRY near the school with pines and blacklocust. tion of the people to this step taken by the

Under the present plan planting stock will commissioners so that all of the citizens

The address of Paul Chapman, director be secured by the town of Grantville and would be informed of this movement and

of vocational education of Georgia, deliv- will be planted by students of the local regulate their actions accordingly. Lib-

ered before the meeting of the National school.

erty county has taken an active part in

Association of State Foresters at Way- Grantville is to be highly commended for fire protection work and are among the

cross made such favorable impression that this forward step in forestry. This project leading counties of the State due to the

President E. 0. Siecke of the association will not only change these barren lands interest that all of its citizens have taken

asked that copies be made and distributed from a liability to an asset, but will stand in keeping the woods rough.

to all forestry departments in the United as an outstanding example of profitable

States.

land utilization to the community. Mr.

The forestry project in Georgia schools Colley, personally, plans to plant a quan-

inaugurated by the Georgia Forest Service tity of blacklocust seedlings on his prop-

Fire Protection in Liberty County Successful

and developed in cooperation with the erty for future fence posts.

W. I. Stafford, patrolman of the Liber-

Smith-Hughes, or the vocational agricultu-

ty County T. P. 0. writes:

ral schools, is the first of its kind, and the Newnan to Plant 25,000 Seedlings on "It is indeed very encouraging to ride

success achieved has attracted wide and

Town Forest

along the highways and byways in Liber-

favorable attention.

The Newnan Water and Light Commis- ty county and observe the young Slash

Copies of Professor Chapman's address sion, through its chairman, Mr. H. H. North, Pine timber which almost as a whole has

have been made and Mr. Siecke, State has an order placed with the State Nursery escaped the ravages of fire during the

Forester of Texas, is giving them wide dis- at Athens for 21,000 pine seedlings and long dry spell.

tribution.

4,000 blacklocust seedlings to be planted on "We have had three fires in Liberty, one

the Newnan Town Forest which covers an on protected land and two off, that threat

area of 800 acres. This is only the con- ened to destroy large areas, but owing to The next meeting of the State Foresters tinuation of a planting program inaugu- the splendid fire fighting spirit exempli

Association will be held in New Jersey, rated last year when 16,000 pine seedlings fied by both the white and colored citizens,

according to action of the Executive Com- were planted.

these fires were soon completely stopped.

mittee following the recent session of the The management plan of the Newnan "Our district forester came to our aid

Association held in Georgia and Florida. Town Forest calls for extensive improve- with five fire pumps and soon showed us

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

7

that at least one North Georgian had some the Long county T. P. 0. is financed by

Pittman Helps Organize

ability as a fire fighter, also, that he could assessing each landowner 5c per acre and W. W. Pittman, Pierce county operator,

scent a wire-grass and pine straw smoke paying all bills from pooled funds. Each has recently devoted considerable time in

all the way from Savannah to Liberty land owner is assessed the same and the an effort to organize a T. P. 0. in Pierce

county.

organization is following all regulations county. Mr. Pittman leases most of his

"It is an ill wind that blows no good, as outlined by the Georgia Forest Ser- timber, but would rather have fire break

and from expressions I've heard, the pub- vice.

protection than to rake his leased timber,

lic is becoming more convinced of the pos-

he states.

sibility and practicability of keeping our

SEVENTH DISTRICT

woods rough. They are opening their eyes to the fact that with good clean firebreaks well connected, and good fire fight-

C. Bernard Beale, District Forester Waycross

SCHOOL ESTABLISHES FOREST FIRE PATROL

ing equipment, coupled with the sort of fire fighting shown at these fires, that we can soon stop any woods-fire.
"Already four outside landowners with

Low-Cost Plowed Breaks Now

Available

Commerce High School Under Lead-

Using a "thirty" crawler type tractor ership of C. L. Veatch, Vocational

around 3,000 acres have expressed their and a five-disc plow, an outfit is now op- Agricultural Teacher, Aids in For-

desire to join the organization and have erating in the seventh district construct- est Fire Fighting.

their lands protected in a business like ing plowed fire breaks at $3.00 per mile.

and systematic way, as we are trying hard The plow makes a cleared strip 5 to 8 Another achievement of the Commerce

to do.

feet in width and plows to a depth of 6 to High School, in promoting the interests of

"I find that fire protection is growing 8 inches. The break resembles a V-shaped forestry, is the organization of the stu-

in favor among our citizens, and really, it ditch, thus having the added advantage of dents into fire patrol units. Students at-

is only the extremely hard times that are affording drainage. The outfit has met tend the school from a wide area in the

keepin~r many landowners from Jommg the demands of practically every timber county, and not only report forest fires

the T. P. 0. They are realizing that real and vegetation type satisfactorily, mak- but render assistance in suppressing them.

honest-to-goodness cooperation can and ing a dependable break in even the thick- Professor C. L. Veatch, vocational agri-

does accomplish things.

est roughs. The plow readily cuts thru cultural teacher, who two years ago re-

"Our county agent, Mr. G. B. Eunice, pine and palmetto roots and fairly good ceived a prize from the Georgia Forestry

is organizing a Boys' Forestry Club and breaks are made through oak "runners" Association for outstanding work done on

we hope to soon have a course in Forestry and dry cypress ponds.

the forestry school project, is behind this

taught in both white and colored schools To date 250 miles of such breaks have movement. Professor Veatch is also editor

of our County."

been plowed on Big Bend T. P. 0. lands of the Commerce News.

of W. C. Hopkins, Oliver and Bell, and L. The plan was initiated by Professor

Screven County Training School Has Forest
A school forest has been established in
Screven county at the Training School. All the plots have been surveyed and map

Knabb, in south Charlton county. An outfit is now at work on Marsh Bros. and Wilson lands in the Consolidated T. P. 0. area putting in 100 miles.
Many land owners are taking advan-

Veatch and is an entirely new phase of forestry work by vocational agriculture students. The students not only watch for fires and fight them but are urging forest fire prevention among landowners. ThP-y are trying to make a record for their sec-

and management plans are in the process tage of the very low cost at which these tion of the county for forest fire control.

of making. T. W. Bryan, the teacher in breaks are being constructed. It is doubt- In doing this, they are setting an example

charge of vocational work at the school ful if any other type of burned strip or for similar schools all over the state.

has a lot of interest worked up among plowed break can compare with the ef- The students of this school not only

the students and colored citizens of the fectiveness of this break.

have a school forest but are operating a

county. He is endeavoring to show all the colored people of the county what fires do to timber and the results you can expect

tree nursery for planting and are success-
Dyal Building Wooden Tower fully managing a large forest area near
J. E. Dyal, enthusiastic member of the Commerce.

by having a good protective system to- Appling County T. P. 0. is building a look-
gether with the proper management over out tower 90 feet high out of cypress tim- JAMES B. NEVIN, EDITOR,

a period of ten years.

ber. It will be located near Surrency on

FRIEND OF FORESTS

Long

County

T.

P.

0.

Constructs

Mr. Dyal's property, and will be of great service to that community in locating fires.

In the death of James B. Nevin, editor of the Atlanta Georgian and Sunday Amer-

Breaks
On December lOth the patrolman in
charge of fire protection and fire-break

ican, Georgia lost a true friend of forestry.

Thirty-five Pumps Placed

At the time of his death he was an officer

Thirty-five Indian pumps have been sold of the Georgia Forestry Association and

construction on 12,000 acres of timber out of the Waycross office. A supply of had rendered valuable service in promot-

land in Long county started to work.

12 are now on hand, and those needing ing the work of the organization. His bril-

He is building the fire-breaks by plow- same should supply themselves with this liant editorials on forestry were always

fng two furrows 25 feet apart and will equipment at once. The price is $5.7 5 each. informative and inspiring.

eventually burn out the intervening strip.

He is using a Fordson tractor and two disc

New T. P. 0. Members

GATHER PINE SEED

Plow which throws out a good clean fur- Recent additions to T. P. O.'s in this The students of Vocational Agriculture

row which will make the burning of the District are: Tyler Estate, 0. J. Hood, in the Soperton High School, under the

Strip very easy, in fact the plowing costs Manager, Waynesville, 15,000 acres, direction of Professor R. D. Pulliam, have

$2.00 per mile and burning $1.50 per mile Wayne T. P. 0.; W. C. Hopkins & Broth- gathered and cleaned five pounds each of

,Which makes the complete fire-break plow- ers, 23,000 acres, Wayne T. P. 0.; R. M. slash and longleaf pine seed from thrifty, ed and burned $3.50, which is v~ry rea- Miliken, Jesup, 4,000 acres, Wayne T. P. healthy pine trees. With these they will

sonable.

0.; Ptninsula Naval Stores Company, Jack- establish seed beds to grow seedlings for

The protection work as carried on by sonville, 4,660 acres, Big Bend T. P. 0. planting on the school forest.

8

GEORGIA FOREST LOOKOUT

SOUTHERN PINE

The number of clean seed per pound are:

SEED

OBSERVATIONS

Longleaf, 5,200; 21,300; shortleaf,

slash, 15,500; 69,200.

loblolly,

In the December, 1931, edition of the Journal of Forestry, Philip C. Wakeley writes interestingly of "Some Observations on Southern Pine Seed." Mr. Wakeley is

Average percentages of sound seed are as follows: Longleaf, 81; slash, 76; lob-. lolly, 61; shortleaf, 57.

associate silviculturist of the Southern Insects take heavy toll of seed, attack-

TREE-A-MONTH COLUMN
by C. N. Elliott

Forest Experiment Station.

ing flowers and afterwards the seed. An

Trees differ in growth habit, gum pro- instance of 8.5 bushels of cones collected

BLACK-JACK OAK

duction and susceptibility to disease, be- showed only 3.5 bushels uninfested with Of the oaks i:n Georgia, perhaps the

lieved to be due in large measure to be larvae.

most unnecessary one i~ the Blackjack,

inherent in seed. Some facts brought out in the discus-
sion are the following: It seems highly probable that species
whose habitats have mean annual temperatures ranging from less than 55 degrees to more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and mean annual rainfalls of from 40 to more than 60 inches, will prove of considerable importance as a source of planting seed.
By co~stant selection of seed from tall-

The tendency is for abundant crops to produce the greatest percentage of sound seed.
Recurrent good crops of seed are irregular and subject to many factors. Longleaf produces a heavy crop more often than seven years.
Seed stored at low temperature retain their vitality more than those stored at ordinary temperature.

sometimes known as "Black Jack", "Barren Oak" or "Jack Oak". It may be distinguished by its thick, leathery leaves that are shaped like the silent weapon of a modern "hold-up" man. The name, "Barren oak" may be due to the fact that this tree grows on worthless, barren lands.

est trees one might in time add a log length Testing pine seed for germination can

to the average height of. many stands.

be carried on in standard sand flats con-

A bushel of unopened cones of any of taining clean, moderately fine, ~hite sand,

the four leading southern pines (slash, the seed covered only one-eighth of an

longleaf, loblolly and shortleaf) yields 0. 75 inch , deeper covering giving less accurate

to 1.50 pounds of clean seed.

results.

~

HOW SWAMP FIRES DESTROY FORESTS

BLACK JACK OAK LEAVES

The range of this tree is from Pennsyl-

vania southward to Florida and westward

to Nebraska. In the north it grows no

larger than a shrub, having no commer-

cial importance, while in the south it

sometimes attains the h eight of 60 feet,

more often 30 to 40 feet, and is used for

charcoal, fuel and a poor grade of lumber.

This tree may sometimes be seen grow-

ing as an ornamental plant on the lawns

of homes though it is not commonly used

for that purpose. It, however, makes a

very nice shade tree on account of its

compact, rounded head and heavy foliage.

This tree seems to be the black sheep

of the Beech family, to which it belongs.

It has not the commercial possibilities of

The above illustration shows how fires largely confined to swamps where they the other trees in its immediate group. At in swamps of south Georgia destroy trees. smouldered for weeks, or until rains came least no extensive uses have as yet been

When fires burn the peat soil during a to wet the soil.

found for it.

drouth period, such as was experienced in Much valuable hardwood timber was

--------

the fall of 1931, the ground support is de- felled by the soil fires, some of which is FOREST FIRE REWARD

stroyed and trees fall.

being salvaged before the swamps again

PAID ON CONVICTION

Swamp fires are as rare as extreme drouths, for only when the soil is very dry is it combustible. Soil fires are very difficult to extin,guish once they have gained headway. But if observed when they start,

fill up with water and salvaging becomes impossible.
The total area of national forests is 160,787,687 acres. During the fiscal year

In December the Executive Committee of the State Board of Forestry offered a reward of $'100 for conviction of persons violating the forest fire laws. The first claim came from Echols county on the

they can be checked by trenching around them. It is safer after the trench has been

ending June 30, there were 696,870 acres

conviction of W'ill White, colored, for set-

dug to wet t~e soil. The fires of south Georgia that created

added. Provisions are now being made for extending the national forest area in north

ting fire to forest lands. The reward was claimed by J. M. Watts, who was promptly paid. '

so much smoke and gave the impression Georgia by purchasing lands originally in- It is thought this conviction will have a

that the whole region was on fire were tended to be included.

wholesome effect in that region.