CHAPTER IV. FIELD WORK. 



21. Preliminary examination of the area. 



THE object of the field work to be carried out in connection with 

 the preparation of a working-plan is to examine the forest and 

 make a classified inventory of the crops, and to investigate the 

 local conditions of growth, in order to collect data on which to 

 base prescriptions for the future organisation and management 

 of the area. The results of these investigations will then be in- 

 corporated into a detailed statistical report which will form the 

 first part of the working-plan report. 



The first step will be to make a preliminary reconnaissance of 

 the whole area, and then to proceed to the collection of statistical 

 details with regard to the topography, the configuration of the 

 ground, the soil, and climate, including a report on the existing 

 boundaries, and on the present system of roads, rides, etc. 

 A review will then be made of any local requirements or agri- 

 cultural customs likely to influence the management of the 

 forest, and of any existing rights of any kind with which the 

 forest area is burdened. 



With regard to the soil, the physical and chemical characters 

 both of soil and subsoil will have to be described, with the 

 average depth, porosity, humidity, and the existence and 

 quantity of vegetable matter in the surface soil, and the nature 

 of the vegetable covering. Then, with regard to climate, parti- 

 culars are required in connection both with the general and the 

 local climate. The relative elevation of parts of the ground over 

 the surrounding areas will have to be stated as well as the 

 absolute altitude above sea-level. 



The aspects have to be noted, and the average annual rainfall,, 

 the general state of humidity of soil and atmosphere, the force 

 and direction of the prevailing winds, the occurrence of frosts 

 in and out of season, and any other climatic influences. From 

 the above information, taken in conjunction with indications 



