48 SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS. 



Whether, and in how far, these effects are produced in a 

 particular country depends on its special conditions. As 

 regards the direct effects, enumerated under (1), (2) and (3), 

 the following considerations are of importance in deciding 

 whether existing woodlands should be preserved, or new 

 forests created : — 



(1.) The position of the country, its communications with 

 other countries, and the control which it exercises over other 

 countries. 



(2.) The quantity and quality of substitutes for forest 

 produce available in the country. 



(3.) The value of land and labour and the returns which 

 land yields if used for other purposes. 



(4.) The density of population. 



(5.) The presence or absence of waste land. 



(6.) The amount of capital available for investment. 



A country so situated that the importation of wood and 

 other forest produce is comparatively easy and cheap (sea- 

 bound, traversed by navigable rivers coming from countries 

 which are rich in forests, or intersected by numerous railway 

 and other means of communication), or which has control 

 over other countries, as for instance colonies rich in forests, 

 can dispense with extensive forests. In a country which is 

 ricli in coal, lignite, or peat, the production of firewood is of 

 subordinate importance. Where iron or other substitutes for 

 timber are available in sufficient quantity and at a low rate, 

 forests are not required to the same extent as in a country 

 which does not enjoy such advantages. Where land under 

 field crops yields, even if forest produce is imported, a higher 

 interest on the invested capital than under forest, the latter 

 would, in this respect, be undesirable. If the population of a 

 country is ver}^ dense and all land is required for food, forests 

 would be out of place. Where, on the other hand, waste 

 lands exist which are not required or are unsuited for field 

 crops, and where the population is at the same time in want 

 of additional work, it may be advisable to create forests so as 



