CHAMONIX WORKING PLAN 255 



possible. Be careful to take the necessary steps to get rid of all stems which might 

 start an insect attack. There is another group of divisions which require attention; 

 there are those which are situated in the valley near the group of hotels and really 

 form a park. (Compartments . . .) usually stocked with an old spruce stand on 

 the decline and for the most part in a critical condition. The soil packed by the walkers, 

 free to grazing and litter gathering they are in a terrible condition for reproduction and 

 the future of the stands is absolutely compromised. . . One can without great 

 inconvenience let the old oaks stand until the last stages of decay, but not so with 

 the spruce which when they decHne . . . collect insects. . . . These stands 

 must be closely watched and not allowed to wait until the last phase of decay. Several 

 measures seem necessary; closure to common entry and litter gathering, successive 

 fencing areas to start the regeneration." 



In the park behind the Casino the existing reproduction should be 

 opened up so as to form Httle patches of advance growth. 



(B) FeUing by area. It will consist in topping the broadleaved trees 

 to favor the conifers, but birch in good condition should be preserved 

 where it is of aesthetic value. 



(Art. 8) Deduction. All trees 8 inches and over are counted against 

 the yield. 



Part IV. — Betterments. — The following improvements are taken 

 up. Map, compartment numbers; boundary pillars; restocking; re- 

 generation has been retarded by grass and weeds so M. Schaeffer recom- 

 mends the grubbing out of horizontal seed spots 3 by 3^ feet in size, since 

 they have given excellent results. They should be not only in the open- 

 ings but also in the sodded ravines. 



"When the slope is steep the sod which is removed should be placed on the lower 

 side to form a bench. On the bare soil sow broadcast several larch seed. We have 

 not seen any failures, and the experiment thus far may be considered as decisive. It 

 should be seen, however, that the seeding is not too thick because usually the natural 

 regeneration will complete it . . . and an excess density is to be feared since with 

 the larch it is a cause of damping off." 



The little benches have also proved of value in stopping small snow- 

 slides. 



Works to prevent avalanches. The plan of campaign recommended 

 is: (1) Don't bother with those areas which are almost impossible to 

 correct. (2) Where work will avail the Reforestation Branch will 

 build dry masonry walls on a small scale, and plant denuded areas to 

 larch and cembric pine. (3) The small ravines which are eroding should 

 be handled by the local force by building small benches. The finances 

 are then discussed and the commune assured of State assistance. 



Part V. — Financial Summary and Forecast. — From 1890 to 1909 the 

 average annual revenue is given as S2,078 and the cost of administration 

 $768, leaving $1,310 net. For the next 10 years the gross revenue is 

 estimated at $5,196, the expenses at $725, and the net revenue at $4,471 



