THE CUTTING SERIES. 297 



of work amongst the staff, and a proper distribution of the 

 yield. Where the areas managed on different lines are mixed 

 up with each other, the division of a working circle into two or 

 more working sections becomes an absolute necessity. 



5. The Cutting Series. 



A working section in its simplest shape should consist of a 

 series of age gradations equal to the number of years (or 

 periods) in the rotation, so arranged that cuttings commence 

 in the oldest age gradation and proceed steadily towards the 

 youngest, in the direction which is determined by the circum- 

 stances of each case. It has, however, been pointed out oil 

 page 229, that such a simple arrangement is, in the case 

 of high forest, rarely admissible, and that every working section 

 in such a forest must be further divided into several parts, 

 which are called " cutting series." Only such a further division 

 gives the necessary order and elasticity to the arrangement of 

 the coupes. 



Each cutting series should comprise a number of gradations, 

 the ages of which differ by a certain number of years (see 

 diagram on page 229) ; it can be regarded as a working 

 section, in which cuttings are made periodically instead of 

 annually ; ordinarily, however, a certain number of cutting 

 series together form one complete series of age gradations, 

 or a working section. 



The number of age gradations to be included into one cutting 

 series depends on local circumstances. On the whole, small 

 cutting series are preferable, as each gives a point of attack 

 where cuttings can be made. Amongst the advantages of small 

 cutting series the following may be mentioned : 



(1) The special requirements of each wood can be met at the 



right time ; if a cutting is desirable at a given time, 

 it can be made without interfering with the safety of 

 adjoining woods. 



(2) A suitable change of coupes can be arranged, so as to- 



