130 FORESTRY IN GERMANY. 



Of course, there are better situations in connection with private forests 

 where the territory is of larger extent, and in which case more favorable con- 

 ditions are offered to the forester, but they are not numerous. 



It may not be amiss to quote at this instance the recommendation for im- 

 provement in private forestry by a practical forester, writing on the subject 

 of private forests and foresters in Germany. He says : 



(1) A special map of each forest possession, — a sketch of the surface and a general plan 

 of work should first be carefully prepared and the latter should be strictly carried out. 



(2) A thoroughly competent person should examine the woodland to see whether it is used 

 to the best possible advantage. 



(3) When any change is made, no time should be lost in replanting or improving, when 

 improvement has been found necessary. 



(4) The foresters should be given their place for life, and not be changed from one place 

 to another, except under the most pressing necessity. 



(5) The foresters should be paid a good, living salary, and this should be made certain to 

 them. 



(6) No private forester should be engaged who has not insured his life with a good com- 

 pany and shown that he has promptly paid his dues to the same. This is necessary that the 

 support of his family may be secured for a time in case of his death. 



The author of the foregoing suggestions, as he undertook the management 

 of a valuable private forest in i860, received from his predecessor in office an 

 incomplete file of documents, entitled "Abrogation of Forest Rights;" an 

 entirely useless map without a scale of miles, drawn by a student thirty-six 

 years ago ; a few blank forms, a so-called account-book for forest products after 

 a model from the year 1808; a worthless wood-hammer; a leather-measuring 

 line originally six feet in length, but which had become three inches longer 

 by much use — aside from this, nothing; and yet this district was cited as well 

 managed. 



Next in importance stand the 



COMMUNAL FORESTS. 



These are in the possession of communities or townships. The cultivation 

 and management of these woods, as well as all others not owned by the state, 

 are placed under the supervision of the state government. Communal forests 

 are most numerous in the more level districts, while the domain or state forests 

 prevail in the mountainous portions of Thuringia and are but sparsely settled. 



These possessions for the most part date from early times, and were either 

 received as donations or ceded by purchase from former princes and noble- 

 men. The members of the community enjoy various privileges with reference 

 to these woods. In some communities each householder receives yearly a cer- 

 tain amount of firewood and tihiber for building purposes "free of charge," 

 while again in other localities only a nominal price is charged for it ; in some 

 places nothing but the mere expense for the labor and hauling is to'be paid. 

 Also litter, moss, and shurbs may, on permission, be gathered. In some 

 communities, however, the 'same privileges are not enjoyed by all, but special 

 rights derived from ancient private laws in favor of certain estates still prevail 



