The Subdivision of Forests 193 



veys from them. During winter when the dense leaf canopy and 

 undergrowth is absent this work is easier than in summer when 

 one's outlook in the forest is limited. One cannot over-empha- 

 size the value of these preliminary walks and talks. They are 

 the real foundation stones of the subsequent superstructure. 



2. Provisional Representation of Subdivision Lines upon a 

 Topographic Map. — The forest organizer now understanding the 

 desire of the owner, and having acquired a working knowledge 

 of the forest to the extent of being able to orient himself with 

 ease and accuracy, should proceed to make a provisional repre- 

 sentation of the developed subdivision upon a topographic map. 

 This representation should not be attempted without a thorough 

 knowledge of the characteristic features of the area such as 

 valleys, ridges, and peaks, and the condition of the existing roads 

 such as their frequence, grade, and structural condition. These 

 provisional subdivision lines can be placed upon the map with an 

 ordinary lead pencil. After the developed subdivision lines have 

 been placed upon the map the acreage of each projected compart- 

 ment should be determined. This may be done by means of a 

 planimeter. If the determined area of the projected compart- 

 ments is satisfactory, then the lines are left in their present posi- 

 tion, but, if this is not the case, then the lines are shifted until 

 the area of the compartments becomes satisfactory. Compart- 

 ments of an approximately equal area are preferable, but in no 

 case should an attempt be made to establish compartments of 

 equal size if such a procedure requires sacrifice of practical ad- 

 vantages or extra expenditures. In level regions compartments 

 of equal size can often be established over a large area without 

 any sacrifice, but in mountainous regions this is rarely possible. 

 In mountainous regions it is not unusual to have a compartment 

 of 25 or even 10 acres adjacent to one of 85 acres. 



J. Transfer and Provisional Demarcation of Subdivision 

 Lines. — After the developed subdivision lines have been provi- 

 sionally fixed upon the topographic map, they should be trans- 

 ferred to the forest. This transfer can be accomplished by de- 

 termining the point of origin and the bearing of each line on the 

 map. At first a staff compass was used in running out these lines, 

 but with very unsatisfactory results. Later the transit was sub- 

 stituted for the staff" compass and the results were satisfactory. 



