FOREST REGULATION 489 



forest land, agriculture is so restricted by topographic and climatic con- 

 ditions that even what little beginnings have been made would not be 

 continued were there not the additional assistance of the lumber indus- 

 try to support them. 



The second scheme has similar advantages and disadvantages as the 

 first scheme, but to a less degree. 



The third scheme, being the most intensive, very definitely brings to 

 light positive objections and positive advantages. 



The disadvantages of this scheme are: First, the intensification of 

 administration. This is not a serious objection. Second, there is ad- 

 vanced the desirability of handling mature timber in accessible locations 

 as quickly as possible, because of the fire danger. With the planned 

 and hoped-for development of fire protective work, no great considera- 

 tion need be given this factor, else all intensive forestry work had 

 better be abandoned. 



A third objection often advanced is that, on National Forests partic- 

 ularly, there is a great amount of mature and over-mature timber — a 

 surplus stocking which should be removed as rapidly as possible — and 

 if working circles are made too small, the existing distribution of age 

 classes may seriously conflict with the accomplishment of this object. 

 This is a disadvantage which must be weighed, where it is of any great 

 importance, against advantages which exist. That it is not an objection 

 in the case of the Coeur d'Alene Forest has already been mentioned. 



A fourth disadvantage is that relatively more inaccessible timber on 

 the average would have to be put on the market than would be the 

 case under a scheme of larger working circles, in which the cut could 

 be concentrated in the more accessible timber, with the result that, 

 broadly considered, true economy is not practiced, and specifically, re- 

 ceipts are less than they otherwise would be. It is felt, however, that 

 this is not a seirous objection. True economy must consider greatest 

 benefits in the long run. As to receipts, if decreased they are only tem- 

 porarily decreased. Whatever timber is relatively more accessible at 

 this time will be relatively more accessible at a later time, and as 

 values increase both the relatively accessible and the relatively inacces- 

 sible bodies of timber will increase in value. 



The advantages of this intensive scheme of working circles, where it 

 is possible practically to work them, are many. In the first place, if 

 there is a healthy start in this direction and possibilities for growth, the 

 establishment and maintenance of permanent industrial communities is 



