328 OUR FORESTS AND WOODLANDS 



be essential for subsequently obtaining the largest 

 annual yield capable of being regularly sustained. 

 Until this is achieved, the effect of a sound Scheme 

 of Management can only be in the first instance to 

 gradually increase the capital in timber, and con- 

 sequently the capital value of the woods, till that 

 is properly distributed over the area. But, it has 

 been said in objection to such Schemes, the estate 

 may change hands from time to time, timber has 

 to be felled to meet the death dues, and then 

 what becomes of all the fine arrangements of the 

 Working Plan? Of course, if the woodlands are 

 to provide the money, the Scheme of Manage- 

 ment cannot then be carried out in its original 

 form. It is almost certain, however, indeed, it 

 stands to reason that woods being managed 

 under a well-considered scheme are much more 

 likely to be able, without permanent damage 

 resulting therefrom, to provide for such a con- 

 tingency than woods worked almost in a hap- 

 hazard way. Larger fellings might, for example, 

 be made in the almost mature woods with 

 diminution of subsequent falls for some years till 

 this premature eating away of some of the capital 

 be made good again by savings ; so that, if the 



