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larch and Pinus Cembra in some regions, whilst the commonest 
hard wood is beech followed by oak and ash. A large amount of 
beech is required for fuel, and soft woods are used extensively 
for building purposes, pulp and wood-wool. Switzerland apparently 
suffers very little from wind in comparison to Scotland, for very 
few wind-blown trees were seen, although, in some cases, openings 
by felling had been made amongst trees which, had similar ones been 
made, would in Scotland have been fatal to the whole block. On 
the mountain sides clear cutting is forbidden by Act of Parliament 
whilst even on low ground other systems of felling are preferred. 
The higher forestry officers receive their early training at Zurich, 
They attend a middle or secondary school until they are 17 years 
of age when they proceed tothe University for 34 years. They are 
then given a minimum of 14 years of practical work and are ready 
at the age of 23 to take positions as assistant foresters. 
Interlaken.— Monday, July 14th, was spent within a few miles of 
Interlaken. Train was taken to the Schynige Platte which is about 
6,200 feet above sea-level and a few hundred feet above the tree 
limit. From there a five hours’ walk was taken vid Iseltenalp to 
drainage, then built a series of walls on the mountam side to cere 
gigantic steps or terraces, Alders were then planted between the 
loose stones and what was originally bare rock is now being covered 
with trees, and the houses in the valley below are considered to 
quite safe. Altogether about 700,000 francs have been expended 
upon the work. In another place where a landslide occurred many 
years ago and the surface had become clothed with trees some 
further movement was observed. This has been checked by build- 
ing a strong retaining wall at the bottom of the weak part and b 
carrying out certain drainage works, . 
