SOURCES OF SUPPLY 107 



plans are primarily based on the removal of the normal 

 increment ; or, to put it in more popular language, 

 on the removal of the annual interest, while the capital 

 is left behind intact. Over-cutting means trenching 

 upon the capital, interference with the supplies of the 

 future, and is financially unsound in the case of large 

 areas of forest managed by the State on commercial 

 principles in the interests of the community. 



It is admitted that to some extent it should be 

 possible for America and Canada to assist us in this 

 matter. They have, in fact, been taking advantage of 

 the high market rates, but it is these rates which it is 

 imperative should be brought to a lower level at the 

 close of the war, and if possible before this proble- 

 matical date. This problem, in its main issues, is one 

 for the Allies alone, and they will certainly be called 

 upon to solve it for themselves. 



The sources of supply fortn the first point for con- 

 sideration. It becomes necessary to ascertain whether 

 there exist in Europe accessible areas, or areas which 

 can be made accessible with comparative ease and at 

 a remunerative outlay, of commercially exploitable 

 forest which can be utilised to supply the heavy 

 demands which will exist. There are other matters of 

 urgent importance, such as the afforestation through- 

 out Europe of all land which in the opinion of experts 

 will prove financially sound in the interests of the 

 several communities. This and other problems which 

 will arise have to some extent been already dealt with. 

 Having settled upon the source of supply, the next 

 point to ascertain is whether the commercially exploit- 

 able forests referred to above contain an excess of old 



