III. THE SELECTION SYSTEM. 81 



seedlings. The stand which results from these pretended selec- 

 tion fellings does not necessarily have any similarity with theore- 

 tical selection high forest ; it is formed of large patches of timber 

 of the same site, often of the same age, which follow each other 

 irregularly. The size of the opening necessary to give all the 

 light required for the development of the seedlings depends on the 

 glope, the total height of the stand, and on the condition of the 

 soil. It cannot be fixed in advance, bat the canopy may be freely 

 interrupted, since the entrance of dangerous winds need not be 

 feared. " 



" But perhaps the most complete official description of the 

 present selection method is given in the Aitone working plan, Art. 

 8, dated 30th November, 1907, Here the degree of regularity 

 aimed at is well described : 



" The volume of trees 0'35 metre (14 inches) and over in 

 diameter, however realised, shall be counted against the yield. 

 The forest agents shall be free to use whatever method seems 

 satisfactory in estimating the felling. If it consists, however, of 

 the chief or accidental yield, they will have to use the volume 

 tables which are used in estimating the growing stock. 



' The fellings will remove : 



" (1) All trees that are dead, defective, overmature, or com- 

 pletely decayed. 



"(2) Trees measuring less than 0'35 metre (14 inches) in 

 diameter which are not required. 



" (3) Small trees without any future. 



' The agents should not lose sight of the fact that the selection 

 method should not be considered as an empirical process in which 

 one is limited to recruit tha yield from dead trees, those over- 

 mature or of large size ... It includes the same operations as 

 the method of regular high forest (seed fellings, secondary, final,, 

 cleanings, thinnings). 



