58 INTRODUCTORY. 



separate, because these chapters overlap to some extent. In 

 practice they are dealt with simultaneously, more especially 

 Chapters I. and II., but in dealing with them here they must 

 be taken one after the other. It is not possible to put the 

 statistics together in proper order, without having divided the 

 forest into a number of divisions ; nor is it possible to divide 

 and allot the area to its several uses, without having previously 

 ascertained what each part of the forest contains. Again, 

 the division and allotment of areas cannot be finally arranged, 

 until the method of treatment and the general lines of manage- 

 ment have been pro vision all} r laid down. It is for this reason 

 that the division and allotment have been placed between the 

 collection of statistics and the determination of the method of 

 treatment. 



At one time it was the practice to prepare working plans of 

 high forests for long periods of time, even as much as a whole 

 rotation. Such a procedure is to be strongly deprecated, because 

 the conditions which govern the working of a forest change 

 from time to time. Although the general lines of action must 

 be determined for some time ahead, so as to secure continuity 

 of action, the detailed prescriptions for the management should 

 only be laid down for a short period, say 10 or perhaps 20 

 years. This is especially desirable where a working plan is 

 prepared for the first time, and where the data upon which it 

 is based are as yet defective. It is desirable, in such cases, to 

 revise the existing arrangements in the light of the experience 

 gained during the actual working of the forest for a limited 

 period. 



