THE AUSTRIAN METHOD. 317 



It will easily be understood that such an equalization is a 

 difficult operation, especially in a very abnormal forest ; hence 

 more than approximate results cannot be attempted. 



The method enjoys some of the advantages and disadvan- 

 tages of the two previous methods, of which it is a combination. 

 Its principal disadvantage is, that a suitable grouping of age 

 classes is still more difficult than in the case of the two previous 

 methods. 



In practice various modifications of the above three methods 

 have been evolved, which sometimes partake more of the one, 

 and sometimes more of the other method. 



SECTION III. REGULATION OF THE YIELD ACCORDING 

 INCREMENT AND GROWING STOCK. 



The methods belonging to this section calculate the yield 

 by means of a formula which is based on the increment laid 

 on, and any difference which may exist between the real and 

 normal growing stock. Having thus determined the yield, the 

 woods for cutting are selected from time to time in accor- 

 dance with sylvicultural considerations. There is no necessity 

 for drawing up a general working plan for a longer period 

 than suits the special requirements of each case. 



A number of different methods come under this section, of 

 which, however, only the following need be mentioned here, as 

 the others are of little practical importance. 



1. The Austrian Method. 



(Die Oesterreicli 'scJte Cameral Taxation.} 

 a. Description of the Method. 



In the year 1788 (during the reign of the Emperor Joseph II., 

 one of the most enlightened sovereigns known in history) the 

 Austrian Government issued instructions regarding the as- 

 sessment of forests for the purpose of taxation. In these 

 instructions reference was made to the difference which may 

 exist between the real and normal growing stock of a forest. 

 This led to the knowledge that a forest, which is expected 



