(16 inches) for the butt logs. Most of the beech was 

 fine straight timber. Some of the larger sizes would 

 be clear for 30 to 40 feet, with very clean symetrical 

 boles. The cuts from the upper part of the tree were 

 nearly always knotty and hard to handle. The age 

 of the trees varied of course as to whether they were 

 in the nature of thinnings, or mature trees. I counted 

 the age of some of the larger specimens handled, 

 which I assumed could be classed as the mature trees. 

 They varied from 110 to 130 years in age and up. 

 These trees were perhaps from two to three feet in 

 diameter at the ground level (where they were cut). 

 This indicates a rather slow rate of grow.th, which is 

 not surprising when the depth and quality of soil are 

 considered. The stands were never very thick on the 

 selection forests. The large mature trees would often 

 have a space of 40 feet or more in diameter around 

 them. However, as soon as one of these would be cut 

 new seedlings would soon fill the space. Nearly al- 

 ways, where a group of small trees would be found, 

 there was to be found the stump of the old beech that 

 had formerly occupied the space. Trees of all ages 

 were to be found, but not in equal amounts. Appar- 

 ently cutting had been carried on extensively for short 

 periods and then had followed periods of lighter cut- 

 ting. In the Forest of Neufeys there were apparently 

 large quantities of timber that had been mature fo 

 some time, but for some reason had not been cut. This 

 was fortunate for us as it permitted heavier cutting 

 than would otherwise have been possible, and that of 

 course made for higher efficiency and greater output 

 Soon after our arrival at Chatinois a separate cam 



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