TJw Algerian Forest Code 69 



the maximiim value of the product to be sold is estimated by forest 

 officers and the auction is conducted in the presence of all pros- 

 pective bidders by naming the maximum price and decreasing the 

 amount called, until some bidder exclaims: "I take it!" 



According to Article 22 : 



"Any disputes which may arise during auctions either as to their validity, 

 or as to the solvency of those making bids or giving securities, shall be decided 

 immediately by the official presiding at the auction." 



This arrangement is designed to prevent long drawn out con- 

 troversies in regard to auctions after they have been completed. 

 Very stringent regulations were enacted to prevent oncers and 

 employes of the Waters and Forests Service, or other officials con- 

 nected with the sales, their "relations and connections in direct 

 line, the brothers, brothers-in-law, uncles and nephews . . . 

 throughout the territory for W'hich officers and employes are com- 

 missioned," from taking part, directly or indirectly in sales of 

 forest produce. 



It is especially interesting to note, that, according to Article 24: 



"Any secret association or negotiation between dealers in wood, cork, or 

 other forest products, tending to lower or disturb the biddings, or to obtain 

 the products at a lower price, will lead to the application of the penalties 

 cited under Article 412 of the Penal Code, in addition to all damages, and if 

 the auction has been transacted in favour of the secret association, or the 

 parties to the aforesaid negotiation, it shall be declared null and void." 



This regulation was necessary because of illegal combinations 

 between dealers to prevent bona fide bidding. 

 According to Article 27 : 



"Every bid shall be considered final the moment it has been uttered; under 

 no circumstances can it be outbid." 



Successful bidders give bond for the amount of their contract 

 and for the payment of damages or fines. 



Section IV. Exploitation — After the auction of forest material 

 has once been made, it is specifically provided that "no tree or 

 portion of a tree shall be added thereto under any pretext what- 

 ever." For a violation of this rule, a purchaser is liable for three 

 times the value of the material marked as well as a refund of the 

 material cut illegally. 



Moreover, it is provided that: "The officers of the Waters and 

 Forests who shall have permitted or tolerated such additions or 

 changes shall be fined in the same manner, and shall be liable to 

 prosecution and penalties for mal-practice and peculation." After 



