516 Forestry Qua/rterly 



might be as follows : The Officer keeps up a rapid-fire series of 

 questions: "What species of tree is that? This? What species 

 is that log ? How do you know it is that species ? What habitat 

 does it prefer? What grade of lumber does it make? What's 

 the matter with this tree? What species is this fruiting body? 

 Is there any method of control? What insect did this work? 

 Which of these trees would you fell in making a "light" cutting 

 under the shelterwood system? How would you fell that tree? 

 Is it sound? What would you estimate the volume of this tree to 

 be? See how the stump analysis compares with your volume 

 table. What quality of site is this? How would you regulate 

 cutting on this slope? How would you secure reproduction of 

 oak? Estimate the material, labor and cost of this stream regu- 

 lation," and so forth. There may be no particular order, yet the 

 questions are pertinent and of a character to bring out the best in 

 a man. The forest officer gives explanations and makes correc- 

 tions and suggestions, stating the results of his experiences. 

 One not accustomed to this work is much surprised at the earnest 

 enthusiasm which is present; the personal relation is invariably 

 good, yet the practicant shows every respect for his b!iperior in 

 rank. Various work is planned and the practicant makes studies 

 of practical forestry problems. In the office he becomes conver- 

 sant with the 'working plan and the system of account-keeping. 

 No one who has not been through such a "graduate" school can 

 appreciate the wonderful correlation of theory and practice which 

 is achieved, nor understand the rapid development in manly quali- 

 ties. It is more like a year of private tutorage, and the practicant's 

 ability to think and plan for himself is developed to a high degree. 

 After the first year, the practicant receives a small salary and is 

 given opportunity for further development. Perhaps he is given 

 charge of some line of experimental work, gathering data for 

 volume tables, or working up some problem in connection with 

 regeneration. Whatever is the character of this work, he carries 

 it to its completion and feels the entire responsibility of the enter- 

 prise. The last year, if his work has been very good, he is placed 

 in charge of a small area of forest over which he has full super- 

 vision. In this way there is a gradual development of ability dur- 

 ing the entire period and the result is a man of high efficiency — a 

 professional man worthy of a good position. If his work has 



