480 Forestry Quarterly. 



recognized authority on the subject, not only in Austria, but 

 in all Europe. 



In Austria, as everywhere else, the extent to which artificial 

 methods are employed in regenerating stands, depends on its 

 profitableness. But wherever the increasing prices of wood oflFset 

 the interest on the initial investment of seeding or planting, there 

 artificial methods of regeneration have crowded out natural re- 

 generation ; nature is slow and not so sure, especially on in- 

 ferior sites. 



Economic conditions, therefore, govern the time of introduc- 

 tion and the intensity of the methods of artificial regeneration 

 used. Fortunately, Austria has an abundant labor class to draw- 

 on for this work. 



For both seeding and planting, the derivation and treatment of 

 the seed is a matter of prime importance. Despite the late Dr. 

 Mayr's divergence '•' the consensus of opinion ** is that heredity 

 as well as environment must be considered in growing trees. 

 In its practical application this means that only the best seed 

 of the best trees should be used to regenerate stands ; what this 

 means in natural regeneration was pointed out in the preceding 

 Article (VIII). In artificial regeneration the practising forester 

 has often overlooked this all important matter and, because it 

 was so convenient and so much cheaper, has contented himself 

 with buying seed of doubtful pedigree, satisfied if the germination 

 per cent, stood at the proper figure. But the germination per 

 cent, is no inaex to the hereditary quality of the tree; spruce 

 seed from the plains of Bohemia even though of 90% germina- 

 tion, will not be suited for use in the high Alps. Realizing 

 this, the most advanced of Austrian foresters are urging the 

 collection of seed on or near the forest where it is to be used, 

 and only from normal, thrifty sound trees. 



The correct treatment of the seed after collection is also vital. 

 The best practice follows the initiative of Prussia (see Article III 

 "Management of Pine in Prussia" ).f 



*Der Waldbau auf naturgesetzlicher Grundlage," Munich, 19C9. 



fSee also "The Equipment and Operation of a German Seed Extracting 

 Berlin, 1905. 



*See also "The Equipment and Operation of a German Seed Extracting 

 Establishment." F. Q-. Vol. IX, No. i, and the article on the same subject 

 in F. Q., Vol. X, No. 2. 



