130 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



varying from -£S to ^20 per acre can be imposed, and the 

 ground can be replanted by the State at the owner's expense. 

 Interest as high as 3^- per cent, is charged on the sum expended 

 in some cases. This method, however efficient it may appear, 

 is cumbersome, and often difficult of execution. The Austrian 

 arrangement seems more business-like. There, the fine is 

 repeated periodically, each time higher than before till the land 

 is replanted. The South German laws also insist on the ground 

 being fully stocked. These laws are never harshly applied. It 

 is only after all warnings and offers of advice have failed, and 

 all assistance been refused, that the final steps are taken. 

 Every sympathy is extended to the owner, and full cognisance 

 taken of all his circumstances at the moment, but for obstinate 

 cases the law is there, and may be put in operation. That the 

 laws do not press hardly is shown by the fact I mentioned, 

 namely, that the area of privately owned wood in the south of 

 Germany is steadily increasing. 



In a few states, before felling is permitted, guarantees for the 

 replanting of the ground are demanded. This is the case in 

 Baden. Previous to 1896, the law could demand the deposit of 

 money, but since 1896 bonds of sufficient amount are accepted. 

 Even these need not be demanded in every case. Often the 

 personal guarantee is enough. Similar regulations are in force 

 in diff"erent parts of Austria. 



Legislation on the actual methods of management is less 

 common. In most countries, owners are permitted to adopt 

 whatever system they please, provided the area of woodland is 

 maintained. In some places, however, it is illegal to cut down 

 immature wood, excepting in special cases. In Austria and 

 Hungary, when the area of woodland in the hands of private 

 individuals or public bodies exceeds a certain amount, a properly 

 qualified and State - certificated forester must be employed. 

 Practically everywhere, forest owners are bound to take steps 

 for the necessary protection of their woods from insect and other 

 pests. On the whole, the State attitude is one of sympathy to 

 the private woodowner. Assistance is given in every way, and 

 only as a last resource is actual restraint or compulsion 

 resorted to. 



In putting forward these facts, I have refrained from comments 

 on how far they fit our own conditions, or how far the methods 

 employed are desirable, but at the present moment, when we are 



