198 Switzerland. 



variously Oberforster, Forstinspektor, Forstmeister, 

 Oberforstmeister). Bern has three co-ordinate Forst- 

 inspektor. The Cantons are or are to be districted 

 into forest circles (Forstkreise) the subdivision to be 

 approved by the Bundesrath, and some are further 

 subdivided into ranges (Unterforsterei). These forest 

 districts, from 7,500 to 45,000 acres each, are to be 

 managed by properly educated and paid foresters 

 elected by the people. The eligibility depends upon 

 an examination, the theoretical part of which is con- 

 ducted by the forest school, the practical part, after 

 a year's practical work, is conducted by a commission 

 of foresters, after completion of which the candidate 

 becomes eligible; the election being for three years, 

 and re-election being usual, unless there are good 

 reasons against it. 



In 1903, there were employed as administrators 

 or managers 119 State (Cantonal) foresters and 33 

 Communal foresters, besides 1 1 Federal forest officials. 

 In 1909, the total number had grown to 193, besides 

 1091 under-foresters, to whose salaries the Bund con- 

 tributed. The State foresters are allowed to manage 

 neighbouring communal properties. 



3. Forestry Practice. 



The timber forest is the most general form of silvi- 

 cultural management. Selection forest with 150 to 

 200 year rotations is practised in the Alps and in the 

 smaller private forest areas. Shelterwood system 

 in compartments is in use in other parts (with a rota- 

 tion of 60 to 80 years in the deciduous, and 80 to 120 

 years in conifer forest), supplanting largely the clear- 



