200 ENGLISH ESTATE FORESTRY 



mature between sixty and eighty years of age, and when 

 they occur at those ages should be entered in Period 1. 

 Ash is also a species which might be classified in the same 

 way on some soils, but its existence as a pure crop may not 

 extend over a large area. 



The first aim of the woodland organiser should be that 

 of ascertaining all portions of the ground which carry crops 

 falling into Period 1. Where young plantations predominate, 

 the total area to be thus classified will be small. On the 

 other hand, in woods which have been neglected for many 

 years, the greater part of the ground will probably carry 

 crops already mature. In either of these cases a large 

 number of age classes will not be represented, and the area 

 allotted to each period will be very irregular : but, whether 

 large or small, it is necessary to regard Period 1 as being 

 most in need of immediate attention, whenever any scheme 

 of replanting is introduced. The whole of the woods having 

 been classified in the above manner, the next point to note is 

 the composition and bulk of the crops on the area entered 

 under Period 1. The approximate number of trees of each 

 species and their contents must be found by counting and 

 ocular measurement, and, their value being found in this way, 

 a general idea of what stock of timber is available for cutting 

 until the next series of age classes will reach maturity is 

 obtained. 



The next step to decide is the extent of cutting on the 

 matured area. Financial considerations occupy an important 

 place here, for, when the area to be dealt with is large, and 

 the crop on it thin, the value of the cleared crop may not even 

 cover the cost of replanting. If the proprietor is willing to 

 incur a little self-sacrifice, however, the clearing of the ground 

 should be determined as much as possible by the condition of 

 the old crop. If consisting largely of old stunted trees, which 

 are adding practically nothing to their bulk or value, the 

 sooner they are cleared off the ground the better, and the 

 larger the area which should be dealt with annually, provided 

 market conditions will allow it ; but, if fairly good crops are 

 present, which are not deteriorating in value to any great 

 extent, the aim should be that of prolonging the clearing of 

 this area until the oldest wood in the next period is likely 



