THE ALGERIAN FOREST CODE* 

 By T. S. WooLSEY, Jr.* 



The Algerian Forest Code was promulgated on February 21, 

 1903, to take the place of the Forest Code of 1827, which had been 

 supplemented by the laws of July 17, 1874, and December 9, 

 1885, designed to cover the local fire and free use problems. The 

 present Forest Code of 1903 is the product of careful study by a 

 commission appointed in 1892 to modify existing forest laws to 

 make them more applicable to local conditions. But, after inves- 

 tigation, this commission recommended an entirely new code, 

 since modification of the amended law of 1827 proved impracti- 

 cable. ' ' Whatever may be its faults, ' ' Guyot considers the present 

 code "a remarkable monument, since private and public interests 

 had to be reconciled." 



But, at least one local officer in Algeria preferred the former law 



because it was more forceful and more drastic, better calculated, 



in his opinion, to enforce forestry practice on a native population. 



Unquestionably, the new law is simpler, easier to understand, less 



severe, and much more flexible than the old. At the same time, 



it is more complete in its provisions against deforestation, against 



the careless use of fire in or near forests, against the theft of forest 



produce. It is divided into eleven parts as follows : 



PART I. Forest R^gim6. 



PART II. Waters and Forests Administration. 



PART III. State Forests. 



SECTION I. Boundaries. 



SECTION II. Management. 



SECTION III. Auctions of Bark, Felling Areas and Sales by Agreement. 



SECTION IV. Exploitation. 



SECTION V. Check of Cutting Area. 



SECTION VI. Auctions and Rentals of Grazing, Mast, Miscellaneous 

 Forest Products and Agricultural Land. 



SECTION VII. Wood Rights in State Forests. 



SECTION VIII. Expropriation. 

 PART IV. Communal and Public Institution Forests. 

 PART V. Joint Tenancy Forests. 



PART VI. Private Forests, Reforestation Areas and Clearings. 

 PART VII. Police and Conservation of Woods and Forests. 



SECTION I. Provisions Applicable to All Woods. 

 (Re: Damage other than fire.) 

 (Re: Fires.) 



SECTION II. Provisions Applicable Only to Woods Placed under 

 Forest Administration. 



1 To simplify computations, 1 frank has been given the value of $.20, 

 1 hectare 2.5 acres, 1 meter 1 yard. 



2 Consulting Forester, Albuquerque, N. M. 



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