THE COMPARTMENT. 277 



Each working circle or range, as the case may be, must be 

 further divided. The unit of that division is the compartment. 

 A number of compartments are grouped together into cutting 

 series, and a number of the hitter form the working circle, or 

 a part of it called a working section. The whole of this division 

 is effected by utilising, in addition to the outer boundaries, 

 interior natural lines, such as water partings, watercourses, 

 precipices, etc., and artificial lines, as roads, already constructed 

 or projected, and rides. 



Although the division of the working circle depends chiefly 

 on the system of roads and rides, it is desirable, before indica- 

 ting how it should be laid out, to explain more fully, what is 

 understood by compartment, sub-compartment, cutting series 

 and working section. 



2. The Compart Dient. 

 By compartment is understood the unit of working ; it forms, 

 therefore, the unit of the division of the forest. 



The above definition should never be lost sight of. If the 

 boundaries of a compartment can be made to coincide with 

 those of a wood showing a certain composition or age, so much 

 the better, but it is a mistake to insist upon such an arrange- 

 ment ; the main point is, that each compartment should be of 

 a certain size, so as to fulfil its objects as the unit of working. 

 If that area includes two or more different kinds of growing 

 woods, they may be distinguished as sub-compartments ; but 

 the boundaries of the compartment should never be twisted 

 out of shape for the sake of including only one kind of growing 

 stock in it. 



The formation of compartments is necessary — 



(1.) For general orientation, so as to enable the forester to 



define accurately any particular part of the area. 

 (2.) To render all parts of the forest easily accessible, since 

 one or more sides of the compartment should abut on 

 roads or rides. 

 (3.) To assist in the prevention of fires, and to enable the 

 forester to stop any, which may have broken out. 



