forestry in .Uncrica. 53 



fute the theory maintained by certain scientists that the physical texture 

 and moisture of the soil are of more importance than the chemical con- 

 tent. It is interesting to note that his study on the Manti National Forest 

 showed that most of the tree genera found there prefer acid soils. He 

 should, however, have stated the depth at which these tests were made, 

 since forest soils are liable to be acid on the surface, but may be alkaline 

 where the tree roots penetrate. These investigations are an important 

 step in determining the fundamental physical factors which form the basis 

 of forest types and on which Mr. Zon lays so much stress in his article 

 "Principles Involved in Determining Forest Types," in Volume i. No. 3. 



VI — Silviculture 



Silviculture Applied to Virgin Forest Conditions. By Alfred 

 Gaskill. Vol. I, No. 2. 



This article is a plea for getting down to principles in silviculture rather 

 than blindly following European text books. Hence it is advice rather than 

 an exposition or study of a specific silvicultural problem. But the advice 

 is excellent and has since been followed. 



A Rough System of Management for Reserve Lands in the 



Western Sierras. By W. B. Greeley. Vol. II, No. i. 



This is the best article on silviculture which has appeared in the Pro- 

 ceedings to date. It gives in a nutshell the essential features of the region 

 in question and the leading silvical characteristics of the forest. From 

 these the author evolves a thoroughly sound and practical system of silvi- 

 culture. It is the work of a clear trained mind applying its training in 

 a practical way. It marks the beginning of the true American Silvi- 

 culture. 



The Siknciiltural Results of Marking Timber in National 



Forests. By Edward E. Carter. Vol. Ill, No. i. 



The author gives in a very interesting manner the growth of systems 

 of marking in the important forest regions of the west. Earlv mistakes 

 are shown as well as some of the difficulties encountered and imperfec- 

 tions in the methods used at the time the paper was delivered. The 

 author's one oversight is that he emphasizes the value of the information 

 which technical men can give the rangers without bringing out the fact 

 that the technical man must have a thorough acquaintance with the forest 

 before his advice can carry weight or even be worth following. 



Condition of American Silviculture. By Henry S. Graves. 



Vol. Ill, No. I. 



Mr. Graves shows how little actual practice American foresters have 

 had and how little is known about the fundamental American silvical 

 conditions necessary for developing proper silvicultural methods. He 

 emphasizes ihe necessity of having a definite silvicultural aim : not to for- 

 get what is desired and expected of the forest in the future, but at the 

 same time, we must not become disappointed at failures. Finally he em- 

 phasizes one of the most important truths in forestry, the necessity of 

 knowing principles rather than systems. 



