34 



Forest Mensuration 



PARAGRAPH LV. 

 ALGON'S UNIVERSAL VOLUME TABLES. 



So-called "universal volume tables" have been constructed by H. Algon, 

 a Frenchman. For a description of these tables see "Indian Forester" 

 of July, 1902. 



The volumes given for each diameter of trees, whatever the species be, 

 are presented on a number of tables as follows : 



The tables are used as follows: 



1. Caliper the entire forest according to diameters and species. 



2. Measure a number of type trees, selected at random, after felling 

 them. 



3. Find that volume table amongst the 20 tables given which best cor- 

 responds with the diameters and volumes of the type trees. Apply the 

 volume table, which is found to be the proper one, to all diameter classes 

 calipered in the woods. 



Objections to the method are: 



a. The danger of mistakes is very great. In an absolutely even aged 

 wood, one tree of 15 inches diameter may easily show 50% more volume 

 than another tree of the same diameter, the latter being more tapering 

 and shorter. 



b. In an uneven aged wood the tables are necessarily wrong because 

 the form height is a function of age as well as of height and diameter. 



c. The method does not give any idea of the proportion of logs, fuel, 

 bark, etc. 



Algon calls these tables "universal" assuming that they hold good for 

 all species of the universe. 



