174 ELEMENTS OF SYLVICULTUEE. 



unsuited for coppice, he is always induced to limit 

 the quantity of standing material to the lowest 

 figure possible, and thus to adopt short rotations. 



The State, on the contrary, has every interest in 

 preserving its high forests and even in converting its 

 woodlands under coppice into high forests. This is 

 frequently a duty in face of the increased consump- 

 tion of timber and the diminished area of its wood- 

 lands ; only it must observe a certain moderation, 

 and consult the timeliness of the operation. 



As for Communes, while acknowledging that 

 future generations would gain much by conversions, 

 and that Communes, being perpetual proprietors, 

 ought to be solicitous of the future, it should be 

 remembered that the interests of the present genera- 

 tion ought not be overlooked, and that no sacrifice 

 ought to be demanded of it from which it would be 

 the only one not to profit. Increase of revenue 

 necessarily implies previous savings, and there are 

 few Communes sufficiently prosperous to create a 

 budget surplus. 



For Communes, then, the system of coppice with 

 standards seems destined to remain for a long time 

 to come the only method of treatment for their 

 forests. IS! or is the inferiority of this treatment to 

 be exaggerated ; when well applied it yields excellent 

 results. The most important improvement which 

 can be made in it, is without doubt a lengthening of 

 the rotation and the formation of a numerous reserve, 

 composed principally of oak. This constitutes a 

 real saving, which, while being a rich source of profit, 

 requires at first a very small sacrifice a strong point 



