The Forests of the Philippines. 



579 



gentle slopes near the base of the moutain masses, usually ex- 

 tending to altitudes of 300 to 400 meters (984 to 13 12 feet) at 

 which height it merges gradually into the tanguile-oak type. In 

 regions of rougher topography it does not produce such heavy 

 stands. In favorable soils it may occupy the low coastal hills, al- 

 though usually near the sea it merges into the vacallauan type or 

 the molave forest. The relative proportion of the dipterocarps 

 is usually heavier in this than in any other type, and the total 

 volume of timber is greater. An indication of the composition and 

 stand of the forest can be illustrated by the following table, which 

 is based on the results of valuation surveys. 



Volume of Trees 40 Centimeters and Over in Diameter in 

 Northern Negros. 



(Average of 54.65 hectares [135 acres]). 



Total 



451-57 45,157 



This type of dipterocarp forest is comparatively free from jun- 

 gle undergrowth. It contains a very complex small tree flora and 

 a great many climbing palms. Erect palms, some of them reaching 

 the height of subdominant trees, are everywhere present. Con- 

 trasted with other types, it presents a more closed canopy and con- 



