CHAP, i.] Forestry in Britain 7 



sylviculture (i. e. when forestry is conducted scientifically), we 

 could supply a great many of these requirements by home-grown 

 timber ; but the argument will be strictly pertinent if it be shown 

 in what respects our woodland owners can, and should, strive 

 to compete with foreign importers. Taking the countries in 

 which identically the same species of trees are grown as may 

 be produced in forests in Britain, there still remain the fol- 

 lowing imports that may be regarded as utilized by us, and not 

 exported again : 



It may be unhesitatingly maintained that, if due attention were 

 given to the selection of proper species for given soils and 

 situations, and if the principles relating to the most favourable 

 density of plantations, or sowings, or natural reproductions, 

 and to the operations of tending (clearing, thinning, &c.) were 

 properly understood and practised throughout Britain, there 

 would be not the slightest necessity for the insertion (as at 

 present obtains) of any clauses into Government contracts 

 stipulating for the use of foreign wood in preference to home- 

 grown timber. But if woods are allowed to grow up so that 

 a considerable portion of the energy of growth of the indi- 

 vidual trees forming the crop is dissipated in branch develop- 

 ment, in place of being concentrated in the formation of a 

 clean, smooth, full-wooded bole of high technical quality, then 

 no one need be surprised at every person concerned in its utiliza- 

 tion giving a solid preference to foreign timber grown under more 

 rational conditions, and consequently of higher technical value, 

 owing to its comparative freedom from branches and knots. 



One economic point of great importance may here be noted, 



