566 PANNACE. 



Tliis fallinj,' oft" in the number of mast-years is due to the 

 present condition of woodlands. The numerous broad-crowned 

 oaks of former years have become rare, the rotation of beech- 

 forests has been shortened and woods are now grown more 

 densely ; many a coppice-with-standards has also been converted 

 into a dense high-forest, and hence the conditions for an 

 abundant production of fruit have disappeared. 



4. Tiiiie and Duration of Pannage. 



Acorns and beech-nuts fall about the end of September and 

 the beginning of October, the former somewhat earlier of the 

 two. During wet autumns, when the beech-husks remain 

 longer closed, the beech-nuts frequently remain on the trees till 

 winter. The period for the admission of swine into a forest 

 depends on the quantity of available mast : if they enter the 

 forest before sufficient mast has fallen, they get out of condition 

 from wandering about in search of food and the swineherds 

 cannot keep them in hand. 



The most usual period for the commencement of pannage is 

 from the 15th to the 20th of October; it lasts until the middle 

 or end of January, according to the state of the weather. This 

 period is divided into two parts, early and late mast. The latter 

 is inadequate for fattening pigs but is useful for feeding brood- 

 swine. When mast commences, it is often usual, and in some 

 districts supported by legal enactments, for the pasture of cattle 

 and sheep to stop. In many places this cessation of pasture 

 occurs from St. Bartholomew's Day (the 24tli of August) ; in 

 others, not until the mast has fallen. 



5. S/jlviciiltiiral Limitations to Pannage. 



The following limitations to pannage are advisable on sylvi- 

 cultural grounds : — Closure of all places where swine will 

 damage natural regeneration ; limitation of the numbers of swine 

 in proportion to the amount of mast available ; finally, admission 

 of the swine only in regular herds under the control of 

 responsible herdsmen. It should always be remembered that 

 only the superfluity of mast, beyond the actual requirements of 

 the forest, is available for pannage. 



