

CHAPTER III. 



THE FOUNDATIONS OF FOREST MANAGEMENT. 



General. TT^ VEBY tree, whether isolated or forming part of a canopied crop, 

 -*^ is a living entity possessing an individual existence. Its 

 species, condition, age, habit, situation and countless other details 

 combine to make it a tree different from all others. 



:< The conditions favourable to growth and maximum develop- 

 ment vary not only with every species but also with individuals of 

 the same species and these conditions differ for every tree in 

 accordance with the state of the individual and its environment, 

 so that the task of the silviculturist too varies with every tree 

 with which he has to deal. 



" Forest management is also necessarily varied according to 

 the forest concerned. All points of difference have therefore to be 

 noted and indicated after the general rules applicable have been 

 laid down. Every forest offers a real and living individuality. It 

 differs from every other forest by its situation, its aspect and 

 configuration ; by its soil, by its component crops and also by the 

 character of the surrounding country. There are no two forests 

 any more than two towns exactly alike and it would be a great 

 mistake to suppose that the management of forests adjoining each 

 other or situated in the same region can be built up on the same 

 frame-work or pattern. T he forester labouring under so erroneous 

 an impression would lack the very fundamental idea that 

 should guide him, and instead of adapting himself to circum- 

 stances would vainly endeavour to force circumstances to suit 

 his silly imaginings. 



" The great dangers to be avoided in forest management are 

 preconceived ideas and foregone conclusions. Every rigid system 

 refusing to yield to the varying requirements of different forests 



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