What is the Tally Stick for?

My sister had this antique sitting in a barrel with walking sticks and otherwise.  Try to guess what it is before you try googling.  There are numbers on the stick.  The bottom row of numbers on in the first photograph correspond to 0 to 36 inches.  

There is an impression on the handle that says "Lufkin Rule Co, Saginaw Michigan".   In the first photo you can see "Scribner's near the left end.

Research Links

• Understanding log scales and log rules pdf  – in this they mention the Scribner method of estimating board feet
• Ebay: Lumber logging rule
• Google: scribner log rule
• CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF A CRUISER STICK
• GoogleImageSearch: Biltmore Stick
• Scribner's lumber & log book  – free download in various formats

So are you feeling cruisy?