Distribution of forest resources on the west shore of Lake Biwa, categorized by use: An analysis of lumber sales ledgers of the Meiji period

Abstract

This study analyzed 1889-1894 (Meiji period) lumber sales books recorded by forestry workers of Hachiyado, a village on the western shore of Lake Biwa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, and clarified the commercial distribution of forest resources and their uses. Seventeen tree species were found to have been used as commodities for sales. They included Zelkova serrata, Thujopsis dolabrata and Quercus serrata. 63% of all sales were for use as timber, while 18% were for use as fuel. We found twenty product categories. They included raw lumber, bark, firewood, and leaves. The largest distribution destination was neighboring villages, followed by Otsu City, areas on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, and Kyoto City. Timber was shipped by overland route or by boat to the nearby urban areas when possible. On the other hand, fuel tended to be distributed and used in nearby villages. An analysis of the various uses of the local forest resources and of the commercial distribution at the time (Meiji period) showed that sales of Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergia and Cryptomeria japonica played a central role.