Current Literature. 6ii 



methods of investigation discusses the influence of the method of 

 treatment on increment and profitableness of the species, all based 

 on extensive tabulations of measurement. 



The most valuable basis is furnished by an area for 36 years — 

 from the 48th to the 84th year — under systematic management by 

 thinnings in three different degrees of severity. During this 

 period of 36 years the total volume production with light, medium 

 and severe thinning was 7,823, 8,483, and 8,420 cubic feet respec- 

 tively, showing the moderate thinning most effective. 



In another case, the performance with the severe thinning was 

 the same as that with moderate thinning. 



Generally speaking, Schwappach finds that between the limits of 

 a cross section area of 225 and 265 cubic inches lies the optimum 

 of the increment of beech. Schiffel in reviewing the work and 

 combining the data differently, namely making allowance for dif- 

 ference of conditions of stands at the beginning of the investi- 

 gations, finds that this statement in its generality is not always 

 borne out. Schiffel's tabulation seems to prove that, as with 

 other species, the open position, if the opening does not exceed the 

 limit of the ability of the stand to close up again without regard 

 to age or cross section, does not produce more volume than the 

 close position. The opening produces merely an improvement in 

 quality and value increment. 



Other deductions are, that the current volume increment under 

 proper treatment can be maintained for decades at about the same 

 amount (see same for pine, F. Q., Vol. VI, p. 432), and that it 

 is even in older age higher than has been usually believed; that 

 larger intermediary returns from thinnings without damage to 

 the stand can be secured than has usually been assumed. Based 

 on these experiences yield tables for open and usual density are 

 constructed. 



Schiffel throws some doubt on these tables also, and thinks 

 that the intermediary harvests are stated too high. 



B. E. F. 



Au Pays Landais. Par J. H. Ricard. 191 1. Pp. 250. 



This is a full history of the remarkable reclamation work of the 

 Landes in south-western France, their past and present condition, 

 and proposals for their proper management. 



