FORESTRY IN GERMANY. 45 



I 



For replanting beeches self-seeding is resorted to, as a rule, without wait- 

 ing too long fori having openings refilled, in which latter case an early clear- 

 ing, and a so-Tailed " cultur aus der hand" (hand-culture) is deemed requi- 

 site. , 



In principle it is not customary to provide generally for certain methods 

 of culture, but to leave it to the discretion of the local administration to 

 select the most suitable method. Changes may, however, be introduced 

 gradually as experience makes such advisable. The experience of forestal 

 officers in this respect is highly appreciated. 



With regard to the quantities of seed and the space between the plants, 

 it is desirable that "too much" and "too little" are avoided. 



It would require the knowledge and experience of a man trained in forestal 

 high schools to' prepare a useful and lucid report on all the particulars having 

 reference to this subject. I can only confine myself to general observations. 

 For fuller information permit to refer to a treatise just published on the whole 

 forestal science ("Lehrbuch de Forstwissenschaft ") by Dr. Carl von 

 Fischbach, Chief Council of Forestry. 



FORESTAL SCHOOLS. 



The course of instruction for the State .Forestal Service differs according 

 to the future employment in subordinate situations of the so-called "Forest 

 Protective Service ' ' or in the higher places of the so-called ',' Forest Admin- 

 istration Service." 



The training for inferior places in the forest service, such as foresters, 

 and their assistants, is of a plain, practical character. It is, however, pro- 

 vided that they must prove previous service in the Corps of Riflemen, and 

 fitness in physical, moral, and forest-technical respect. 



The course of instruction for the Royal Forest Administration Service 

 requires the production of a certificate that applicant has passed all classes of 

 a gymnasium or of a so-called real schule of first class, and left the school as 

 abiturient (one who has laudably passed examination in several languages, 

 natural sciences, mathematics, geography, &c., best, perhaps, comparable 

 to a bachelor of arts), with the difference, however, that in Germany the 

 courses of study in the schools mentioned are of a universal and compre- 

 hensive character, without any direct regard to the profession (whether 

 divinity, law, medicine or philosophy) the young man may choose after he 

 left the gymnasium or real schule. 



It is held that without such a previous general school education profes- 

 sional studies in forestry would not be satisfactory. 



The practical training in forestry commences with at least seven months' 

 preparatory study with a royal chief forester. Upon the expiration of this 

 period he receives a certificate and the title of a forst eleve (forest pupil). 

 As such he has then to visit for 2)/^ years either a forest academy or a similar 

 institution cormected with a university. Here he has to pass his first exami- 



