I] INTRODUCTORY 3 



the future is necessarily uncertain and speculative. In any case 

 the species chosen must always be absolutely suited to the local 

 conditions of soil and chmate in every respect. The advantages 

 and disadvantages of pure and mixed crops may be considered 

 at the same time, in relation to the silvicultural character and 

 light requirements of the species in question. In most cases the 

 nature of the soil and climate wiU indicate very plainly what 

 species is best suited to it, and no other tree should then usually 

 be considered. 



4. Choice of silvicultural method. 



Then as to silvicultural method. This will be controlled largely 

 by the species with which we are dealing, and also by the length 

 of rotation required to carry out the object of management; the 

 timber market too will have to be consulted, and the require- 

 ments of local industries taken into account. These considerations 

 will generally be sufficient to decide whether the system of high- 

 forest should be adopted or not. If it is, the silvicultural character 

 of the principal species and its light requirements wiU indicate 

 whether the even-aged condition or that of mixed ages wiU be 

 the more profitable. If natural regeneration by seed is practicable, 

 this wiU be one of the most important points to be considered. 

 In any case the choice of method must be based purely on silvi- 

 cultural grounds, and no considerations, economic or financial, 

 except in so far as they are in perfect harmony with the cultural 

 requirements of the species, and the maintenance and improve- 

 ment of the fertility of the soil, must be entertained for a 



moment. 



5. Choice of rotation. 



Then, lastly, as to the length of rotation. From the definition 

 of the object of management it should be possible to deduce what 

 size of timber it is necessary to turn out in order to attain that 

 object. The timber market must be consulted, and the probable 

 future demand estimated. On the other hand all available data 

 as to the rate of growth of the species in question must be studied, 

 and its periodic increment in volume, quality, and price, up to 

 the age of its physical maturity. Such considerations will serve 

 to determine — at any rate to within a period of a few years more 



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