FORESTRY COMMISSIONER. 91 



of the June bug. When the June-bug-danger has passed 

 by, we shall return without a doubt, to artificial regener- 

 ation of Pine. The natural regeneration of conifers pre- 

 vails, however, preferably within the mountain forests, 

 where regeneration of the Silver Fir (Abies pectinata) is 

 concerned. 



The foresting of the beech is mostly effected from 

 standing trees, though artificial sowing and planting are 

 also done. The oak is either reforested by seed from 

 standing trees, or artificially through sowing or by planting. 

 In regard to the continuity of forest products, the for- 

 estry department endeavors to obtain the highest possible 

 continuous net income. The usual method of cutting is 

 in blocks clean. 



Under the head of compulsory tree planting the follow- 

 ing laws are referred to: The Forest Protection Law of 

 July 6th, 1875 the law of August 4th, 1876, concerning 

 the administration of forests owned by municipalities and 

 public institutions in the provinces of Prussia, Branden- 

 burg, Pomerania, Posen, Silesia and Saxony. 



The average annual damage caused by forest fires in 

 the years 1892 to 1896 was as follows: Totally or mostly 

 destroyed, 2,992 acres; only slightly damaged, 117 acres; 

 only the surface destroyed, 522 acres. The average an- 

 nual number of forest fires in the years 1892 to 1896 was 

 36, the causes of which were as follows: 12 unknown, 2 

 railroads, 5 incendiary, 16 caused by carelessness, i 

 lightning. During the years 1892 to 1896 the annual 

 average number of forest fires caused by railroad locomo- 

 tives was 2. 



The officers in the forest service are equal in rank to 

 the other high grade officers in the government service. 

 The foresters have clerical rank. The salary of "Ober- 

 forster" (district manager) ranges according to length of 



