Marking Western Yellozv Pine. 271 



proved satisfactory. Those of the Forest Service who were en- 

 gaged in the early co-operative work will remember that similar 

 methods were gradually introduced in advising the forest man- 

 agement of private woodlands ; the first few years there were 

 merely paper instructions which were supposed to be followed out 

 by the owners ; then, gradually, these instructions were supple- 

 mented by actual marking on the ground. This latter method, I 

 believe, was found to be by far the most satisfactory and pro- 

 ductive of actual results. 



In Europe, where the art of marking is far advanced, detailed 

 instructions on paper would be more or less a matter of amuse- 

 ment to the officers in charge. The marking policy of each silvical 

 type is, of course, well understood, but the actual choosing of 

 trees still, and always will, demand the direct supervision of the 

 officers in charge, although it may be executed by particularly well 

 trained rangers, where there are no complications. It is well 

 recognized, I think, in Forest Service work, that the actual selec- 

 tion of individual trees can lose or save many hundreds of dollars 

 in each million feet marked. This statement, I feel sure, will be 

 borne out by subsequent inspections, particularly as soon as the 

 results of marking can be more thoroughly investigated. Detailed 

 observations by means of sample plots will be instituted in order 

 to get an accurate line on whether present methods are satis- 

 factory. 



The general silvical principles of marking, as laid down in the 

 1909 "Use Book," are well known. These may be summarized : 



Mature, over-mature and defective trees should be marked un- 

 less needed for seed; thrifty, rapidly growing trees of desirable 

 species should be reserved; mark lightly where windfall is prob- 

 able, or where timber is needed for watershed protection,* or to 

 prevent erosion.* Each tree should be left with its crown free 

 enough for vigorous growth. Suppressed trees should be marked. 

 Even if reproduction is present for safety in case of fire, seed 

 trees must be left. Trees on the edge of openings should be left on 

 the side from which the prevailing winds blow. Isolated trees of 

 desirable species should be left. "If in doubt whether a tree is 

 needed for either seed or protection, leave it. If in doubt whether 

 a defective tree should be classed as merchantable, mark it." 



* The practical value of forest cover in these directions has been ques- 

 tioned. 



