136 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
XVII. Some Recent Developments in Swedish forestry. By 
JAcMAsTarRE Eis Niutson, Kolleberga, Ljungbyhed, 
Sweden. 
In this short article I propose to set forth and explain some of 
the latest reforms and improvements which have been introduced 
in the working of the Swedish forests, and which will be of the 
greatest importance in their preservation and development; and 
in doing so I trust that, seeing that some such reforms are also 
much needed in Scotland, I have touched upon a matter which 
may be of sufficient importance to create interest amongst the 
readers of the Zransactions. 
1. LAW RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE FORESTS. 
This law, the passing of which has for many years been the 
object of those whose wish it is to preserve Sweden’s forest stock, 
and to put an end to reckless destruction of her forests, came 
into force on’ 1st January 1905. Stated briefly, the law seeks to 
attain the following object:—On forest ground belonging to 
private persons, the cutting of timber is not to be carried out in 
a way detrimental to natural regeneration, nor is the ground, 
after the cutting of timber, to be treated in such a way that 
natural regeneration will be endangered. The object of the law, 
therefore, is not to reduce the cutting in the sizes or age-classes 
as practised at present, nor does it interfere with the right of 
the owner to work his woods in the way he thinks best, provided 
he promotes regeneration, when it is necessary, immediately after 
the cutting of the timber is finished. In so far as it relates to 
the woodland soil, the law prohibits the burning of the cleared 
ground in such a way as to cause deterioration of its quality ; 
and, again, should a young, non-seedbearing wood be spoilt 
through over-thinning, so that the ground would run the risk of 
deterioration, or of becoming wild, such a wood must at once be 
underplanted.! 
In order to ensure that the regulations for the working of the 
‘Such a law could never be applied in Britain. Neither political party 
would dare to bring in such a Bill, unless this at the same time provided State- 
aid for the improvement of existing woods and plantations to landowners 
desirous of trying to work their woodlands on purely business principles. And 
any such law could only be permissive, but not compulsory.—Hon. Ep. 
