THE RISE OF SILVICULTURE. 



By Dr. Jentsch. 



Translated by Frederick Dunlap. 



A new era has just dawned in forestry. A hundred years ago, 

 when Hartig, Cotta and Hundeshagen put the practice of forestry 

 on a scientific basis, there were two problems to be solved : Some 

 system had to be introduced into the natural woodlands they 

 found at hand, and the yield had to be permanently increased. 

 These pioneers, and especially those who followed them, solved 

 both problems by establishing pure stands of even-aged high 

 forest and by clear cutting and artificial reproduction. These 

 practices constituted a real solution, for the fellings were system- 

 atized and the yield increased, while its perpetuity was assured. 

 Accordingly, we find that the high forest, clear cut and replanted, 

 is the common form, at least in northern and central Germany, 

 since the middle of the last century. The effort of modern 

 foresters to meet the growing demand for structural timber by 

 increasing the production of spruce and pine has greatly favored 

 this form of forest. 



The management of this new sort of forest made new demands 

 upon the knowledge and ability of foresters and led to the formu- 

 lation of theories of forestry, especially of mathematical theories. 

 The regulation of the yield and the bases therefor have been the 

 chief topics discussed in technical circles for fifty years and more. 

 This period was one of substantial, permanent progress, yet the 

 science of forest production was neglected. For reproduction by 

 planting appeared to so completely fulfil all demands that further 

 study in this direction seemed unprofitable. At first glance, it 

 may appear that the issue between forest rent and soil rent, 

 between compartment and stand management, is as sharp as ever ; 

 yet a certain understanding has been reached, for all parties have 

 recognized the rent theory as applicable in forestry, as elsewhere. 



Even while these mathematical discussions were progressing, 

 practical foresters were meeting new problems. The pure, even- 

 aged high forest approached maturity and disclosed inherent 



