CHANGE OF SYSTEM. 339 



into a coniferous forest, a conversion which is indicated by the 

 special conditions of the locality. 



The first and most important step is, to divide the forest 

 into a suitable number of compartments by laying out a system 

 of roads and rides suitable to the locality. These compart- 

 ments are then grouped into a suitable number of cutting 

 series, without taking into consideration the present conditions 

 of the several woods, but merely future requirements. 



It would be problematic to determine the rotation to be 

 adopted for the future coniferous forest. On the other hand, 

 the age should be determined which the oldest coniferous wood 

 should have reached when the conversion has been concluded, 

 so as to have, from that moment forward, woods of sufficient 

 age to cut and supply the market. This age determines the 

 period during which the conversion is to be effected, called the 

 " conversion period." The latter must not be too short, or 

 else there would be no final cuttings for a number of years, 

 after the conversion has been completed. Supposing 60 years 

 were chosen for the period of conversion, then at its close the 

 oldest coniferous wood should have an age of 60 years. 



By dividing the total area by 60, the area is ascertained 

 which should be converted annually. 



In selecting the areas to be taken in hand year by } r ear, two 

 considerations present themselves : 



(1) A suitable arrangement of the future cutting series ; and 



(2) To begin with cutting over the woods which are poorest 



in increment. 



A consideration of both, but more especially of the first, 

 decides the allotment of the annual coupes to the several 

 cutting series. 



Example. A coppice with standard forest of 1,200 acres 

 shall in the course of 60 vears be converted into coniferous 



1200 



forest. Every 10 years = 200 acres must be taken in 



Of) 



hand for conversion. In that case the yield during the first 

 10 years would consist of : 



