FOREST POLICIES OF FOREIGN NATIONS. 



323 



forests are better. Since all municipal and cor- 

 poration forests are under direct state control, 

 being managed by the state forest authorities, 

 about 910,000 acres, or over 60 per cent of all 

 forests, enjoy a careful, conservative treatment, 

 which insures to them the largest possible return 

 in wood and money. But even the private for- 

 ests, representing another third of the forest area, 

 are under the supervision of the state authorities, 

 and though the private owner may use his forest 

 very much as he pleases, he can in no way 

 devastate or seriously injure it. Clearing re- 

 quires a permit, even a complete clearing cut, 

 which latter is permitted only if the owner guar- 

 antees the reforestation of the denuded area within 

 a given time. Bare and neglected spots in forests 

 must be restocked, and failure of private owners 

 to comply with the forest rules and laws leads to 

 temporary management of the forest by the state 

 authorities, such management never to continue 

 less than ten years. 



It is evident that the existence of thoroughly 

 organized, efficient state forest administrations 

 make the execution of the laws regarding the use 

 of forest properties comparatively easy, and from 

 the technical point of view the supervision compe- 

 tent. Moreover, the good example which the 

 forest management of the state sets is of most 

 salutary influence, especially in showing that such 

 management pays. 



