FOKEST POLICY OF THE STATE. 43 



whether they will be so in future, and to what extent, is uncertain. 

 All the other countries in the hst import timber, headed by the 

 United Kingdom and closely followed by Germany and Belgium. 

 The extent of imports depends on the area of forest, the degree of 

 industrial development of the country, and on its substitutes for 

 wood. 



After a full consideration of all these points, the State authority 

 should draw up a definite forest policy in accordance with the 

 special requirements of the country. The forest poUcy should 

 be given the force of law by incorporating it in an Act or Ordi- 

 nance. The details depend on local conditions, but special 

 attention may be drawn to the following requirements : — 



(1) Power should be provided to declare what areas shall be 



considered as forests and as such come under the pro- 

 visions of the forest law. 



(2) Power to provide for the establishment of State forests 



sufficient to safeguard the country in the case of an 

 emergency, or to make good any deficiency in the supphes 

 from corporation and private forests ; also to prohibit 

 the disposal of State forests without the approval of 

 Government. 



(3) Power to determine the extent of rights in forests possessed 



by third persons, to regulate the exercise of such rights, 

 or to commute them if their exercise should prevent a 

 rational management of the forests. 



(4) To prevent the establishment of new rights in areas declared 



as forests under the law. 



(5) To manage the State forests for a sustained yield, and to 



authorise the State forest authority to take over the 

 management of corporation and private forests, if neces- 

 sary for the welfare of the country as a whole. 



(6) To provide for the efficient protection of the forests and 



their produce against fire, theft or other damage by third 

 persons, and for the punishment of offenders against the 

 forest law. 



(7) To provide for research in questions which have a bearing 



upon the best possible management and yield of forests 

 and their protection against injurious agencies. 



(8) To provide instruction in forestry and allied subjects, and 



