REVIEWS 163 



of Forests in the Ministry of Agriculture has been gathering data for 

 the preparation of a detailed forest map and land classification of the 

 country; this work is also handicapped by lack of funds as well as by 

 lack of technical personnel. 



The present forest law, passed in 1906, is based on these considera- 

 tions: (1) To prevent destruction of forest resources, it is necessary 

 to assure State protection not only to the forests belonging to the 

 State, but also to those owned by the provinces and by individuals; 

 (2) the Government should encourage culture of trees in regions now 

 treeless, and should establish nurseries for propagation and distribution 

 of species suited to the soil and climate of different localities; (3) 

 forests should be exploited conservatively, and only mature timber 

 should be removed. Under the "Regimen Forestal" come all forest 

 lands of the State, those of such provinces as desire it, and those be- 

 longing to municipalities, corporations, or individuals who wish their 

 lands to be so administered. All State forested lands are declared 

 provisional forest reserves until their status can be definitely fixed 

 upon the completion of the forest map and land classification. No 

 timber or other forest product can be taken from these lands except 

 under permit. Pending formulation of definite comprehensive working 

 ))lans, the more accessible and better known forests may be exploited 

 under provisional plans. Concessions, to run not more than ten years, 

 are made to the highest bidders, with a limit of 10,000 hectares to any 

 one operator. Cutting must be carried on in a way not to injure 

 the forest, according to principles set forth in detail in the contract. 

 Forest products from either State or private forests can be shipped 

 only when accompanied by a license showing that they were legally 

 removed from the forest in which they originated. When artificial 

 reforestation will be required to maintain a forest cover or particular 

 species desired in management, provisions to this efifect are included 

 in the contracts. 



Forest fires have been and still are very widespread and destructive, 

 and because of lack of funds, together with the shortage of personnel, 

 the difficulty of transportation and communication, and the sparse 

 population of the forest districts, very little in the way of control 

 lias been attcm])led. A very comprehensive study of the fire problem 

 has been outlined by Max Rothkugel. This covers a study of relative 

 iiazards in difi'erent forest types and regions, as well as of methods and 

 organization of protection. 



The law provides for regional nurseries to furnish planting stock 

 in each of four main forest regions (Northern, Mesopotamian, Central. 



