Forest Conditions. 289 



the pine increases, in more and more open stands as 

 one goes northward into the drier climate. An open 

 stunted growth of birch and aspen forms the transi- 

 tion to the treeless tundra. 



A treeless alpine region occupies the northwestern 

 frontier, fringed at lower elevations by a belt of birch 

 in natural coppice, a result of repeated fires. The 

 northeastern part is a level coast plain, but the climate 

 is too severe for agriculture and the forest growth also 

 is short and of inferior quality. 



Large areas of swampland are found in nearly all 

 parts, recoverable for farm or forest use, and mis- 

 managed and devastated forest areas are found all 

 over the country. 



The forest, nearly 10 acres per capita, on account 

 of its accessibility to the sea by means of the many 

 rivers, plays an important role in the economy of 

 Sweden, not only because it covers such a large area 

 and favorable composition (80% coniferous), but 

 because it has long been a prominent source of income. 

 Especially after the abolition of the English import 

 duties, in 1866, and of the Swedish export duties which 

 had restricted trade, in 1863, did a rapid increase in 

 wood exports take place, until in 1900, it amounted 

 to over 54 million dollars (of which 12 million for 

 woodenware), being the leading export article and 

 representing over one-half of all exports. 



In addition to this export which may represent at 

 least a round 300 million cubic feet of wood, there are 

 about 250 million cubic feet of pulpwood and 150 

 million feet used for charcoal, besides the domestic 

 fuel consumption. The total draft on the forest may 



