WORKING-PLAN FOR THE ALICE HOLT FOREST. 97 
As the remaining coppice, however, consists chiefly of ash which 
still pays tolerably well, the authorities may prefer to maintain it 
for the present. 
(b) Zhe Oak- Woods. 
Only 38 acres are third-class oak. As they are situated at 
the southern end adjoining the coppice and young plantations, 
the area should also be converted into coniferous woods. This 
makes the area to be dealt with under “a” and ‘‘b” equal to 
68 acres, or about 34 acres annually, if the conversion is carried 
out during the next twenty years. The net receipts from sale of 
produce may be estimated on an average at £ 70, and the expense 
of planting at about £ 20, being an average annual surplus of £50. 
The remaining oak, 313 acres, must be managed as a selection 
forest, that is to say, mature and undesirable trees should be cut 
by single trees or small groups here and there. If natural 
regeneration does not come up, planting may be done, especially 
with beech, and at the end of twenty years the whole question 
may be reconsidered. By that time matters may be ripe for 
somewhat more decided measures. Not much revenue can be 
expected at present. Indeed, it is not likely to exceed £100 a 
year, if so much, which is a poor return on the capital repre- 
sented by the value of the growing stock. 
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to do much for the 
improvement of the existing oaks, as systematic cutting out of 
undesirable trees and underplanting does not apppear practicable. 
Here the forester must look to the rent paid by the tenant of the 
lodge, as a compensation for keeping such a big stock of timber, 
so as to safeguard the amenities of the place. 
4. DRAINING AND RoaD CONSTRUCTION. 
A good deal of draining has been done in the past, but it 
appears as if some years ago this work was somewhat neglected. 
Of late years, however, the cleaning of existing ditches has been 
resumed, and what remains to be done should be completed during 
the next few years. The average annual expenditure during the 
last five years under this head seems to have amounted to £59. 
In the way of road construction only ruts were filled in, parts 
were levelled, and some brambles cut, at an average annual 
expenditure of £33. It seems desirable to do something more 
in this direction. As a commencement, the main rides in 
Glenbervie might be improved, and then those in Willow’s 
VOL. XIX. PART I. G6 
