PREFACE 



ESTATE owners often say that it does not pay to grow trees 

 or that " forestry does not pay." Under certain conditions 

 this may be so ; but a very slight acquaintance with the rudiments of 

 forestry makes it obvious that the great majority of trees are planted 

 without regard to the species of tree most suitable for the land, and 

 to the local conditions, and, further, that when planted they are not 

 given that small amount of attention which is really necessary for 

 their welfare. 



Whether a knowledge of the elements of forestry, a/onc, would 

 make the difference between profit and loss is not possible to say 

 definitely; but it seems to me that such ought to be the case. It is 

 certain, however, that there would be a great improvement in results 

 if only some amount of knowledge and Cxxperience were brought to 

 bear upon the question. 



In journeying through the country, one observes many pieces of 

 waste land quite unsuitable for any agricultural purpose. Such land 

 could be turned to profitable use if it were planted with suitable 

 trees, and if only these trees had that proper care and attention 

 which the elementary principles of forestry dictate. 



One and probably the chief reason why so little attention has 

 been given to the planting of such readily available sites is that a 

 cheap and simple handbook, giving in outline the leading principles of 

 forestry, was wanted. The ordinary estate manager has no time to read 

 and digest the larger textbooks on the subject, and for that reason 

 Mr. W. F. A. Hudson was asked to write this short treatise, which 

 it is hoped will provide the landowner and steward with such 

 adequate information on the general principles of practical forestry 

 as will enable him at least to realise the importance of the subject, 

 and such guidance as will assist him to initiate more systematic and 

 correct methods of dealing with the land, whether it be existing 

 woodland, or waste land calling for profitable development. 



W. F. COOPER. 

 THE COOPER LABORATORY 



FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH, 



WATFORD, February, 1913. 



