FOREST ECONOMICS 147 



simply because its timber has, for the time being, shown an 

 advance in price. In fact, anything prompted by mere 

 speculation is out of place in State forest practice. 



Many countries which have a system of Protection im- 

 pose a tax upon imported timber. So far as Germany is 

 concerned, the incidence of taxation has led to neither 

 afforestation nor deforestation. The imposition of an in- 

 creased duty in 1885 and the lowering of tariff charges in 

 1892 were alike without effect on the continued increase of 

 imports over exports. Between 1882 and 1896 the imports 

 into that country nearly doubled in quantity and trebled in 

 value. Since 1896 imports have risen still further. It is 

 obvious that the German forests are inadequate to meet the 

 requirements of the country. To do this, the quantity of 

 timber exploited would have to be increased by about thirty 

 per cent., which, of course, is out of the question. 



Technical Education in Forestry 



On the continent of Europe forestry is a recognised branch 

 of the civil service. This fact, together with the oppor- 

 tunity for the pursuit of game which life in the forest 

 invariably offers, attracts a very excellent class of men to the 

 work of forest administration. Even though the service is 

 not specially lucrative, positions in it are at all times much 

 sought after. 



In Germany the State forest service recognises two dis- 

 tinct grades of officials, whose social position as well as techni- 

 cal training is clearly defined. In both cases candidates pass 

 through a lengthened period of careful preparation. The 

 course followed varies slightly in different parts of the 

 country ; but the following account indicates the character 

 of the educational system : 



Higher Grade. A candidate aspiring to an ultimate posi- 

 tion of control in the State forests is required, first of all, 

 to produce a certificate from one of the higher public schools, 

 where he must have passed certain examinations. In Prussia 



