CHOICE OF SPECIES AND SYSTEM. 391 



The nature of these determining factors sho^YS, that no 

 general rule can be laid down, but that the method of treat- 

 ment and the general lines of management must be determined 

 locally on the merits of each case. In the following pages 

 only a few general hints are given. 



1. Choice of Species. 



The first step should always be to examine carefully, how 

 far the existing species meet the objects of management and 

 suit the locality. If the existing species do not answer, then 

 the forester should not hesitate to change them. On the 

 other hand, the introduction of a new species should not be 

 lightly undertaken, as it generally involves some loss, and 

 frequently introduces uncertainty as to future results. Only 

 species, which have been tried within a reasonable distance 

 and succeeded, should be chosen. The cultivation of untried 

 species is, in the first place, justified only on a small scale. 

 Above all, personal fancies must be banished from the 

 forester's mind. 



The formation of mixed woods is of the first importance, 

 and its advisability should always be considered. In this 

 respect attention is invited to pages 71 to 88 of Volume II. 



2. Si/lriciiltiiral Si/steiii. 



This depends, of course, on the species, which exist on the 

 area, or which have been selected for introduction. 



IIi(/]i forest yields the greatest quantities and generally also 

 the most valuable classes of major produce, as well as various 

 kinds of minor produce ; it is, except in the case of clear 

 cutting, the best system for the preservation of the quality of 

 the locality. On the other hand, it requires, in the case of 

 broad-leaved species, at least fairly good soil ; it also requires 

 a greater capital than other systems, owing to its greater 

 growing stock, accompanied, in some cases, by a low mean 

 annual forest per cent. The growing stock is also exposed to 

 many dangers, such as snow, ice, wind, insects and fire. High 



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