THE FOREST SCHOOL AT EBERSWALDE, 247 
the surrounding Oberforstereien, but, generally speaking, the greater 
part of their time is free for instruction purposes, or for the various 
researches which are carried on both by the practical and scientific 
departments of the academy, and which have resulted in many 
valuable and interesting reports.! As indicating the nature of these 
researches, the following may be cited as specimens of those carried 
out in the practical departments :— 
On the raising of seedling plants, quantities of seed required for 
given areas, preparation of the seed, and effects of transplanting on 
the growth of the plants. 
On the depth of the earth-covering of seeds. 
Trials of planting tools, seed-sowing machines, ete. 
Trials of germinators. 
On the thinning of oak, beech, Scots fir, and spruce forests. 
On pruning forest trees. 
On the behaviour and value of Douglas fir in the German forests. 
On the grubbing and removal of tree roots. 
On the comparative value of saws. 
On the yield of oak and beech seed. 
On the height growth of different species. 
On the proportion of branches to stem at different ages and 
periods of the year, etc., etc. 
The other experiments in connection with the scientific side are of 
an equally important nature, and all tend to show the great value 
of the work carried on at the institution in connection with forest 
science in all its various branches. 
In addition to his other duties, the director also edits a forestry 
periodical, which is issued monthly, and usually contains contribu- 
tions from the various professors and others outside the teaching 
staff. In his clerical duties he has the assistance of two clerks, 
one of whom acts as librarian. A conference is held weekly by 
the director and professors for the purpose of making arrangements 
and necessary alterations in connection with the instruction, and 
other business matters. At the commencement of every session a 
plan of study and lectures is drawn up by the director after con- 
sultation with his colleagues, and printed copies posted up in the 
lecture-rooms, etc. This plan includes two courses, in order to 
meet the requirements and convenience of those students who enter 
1 In this work they have the assistance of seven forest assessors, who are 
employed chiefly in attending to the details of the experiments, and keeping 
the necessary records, 
