154 MODERN FOEEST ECONOMY. 



there they are frequently subjected to this mode of 

 exploitation. 



An exhaustive article on the Furetage of the beech in 

 the Pyienees, by M. E. Guinier may be found in the 

 Bevue des Eaux et Forets for 1883, (pp. 469-477, 527-541). 

 His object is to show how an improved modification of 

 this method of exploitation may remedy several evils, and 

 secure several advantages, in coppice woods, whiph are 

 thus treated ; and in pursuit of this object he addresses 

 himself chiefly to the objections of those who are so satis- 

 fied with it that they are unwilling to make any change. 

 After discussing at considerable length much which is 

 involved in the failures which have followed this method 

 of exploitation, M. Guinier passes under review objections 

 which have been taken to any attempt to improve it, and 

 answers these seriatim. The objections thus treated are 

 following : — 



It is said (1) Furetage is excellent inasmuch as it ensures 

 the conservation of coppice woods ; this has been estab- 

 lished by experience : why seek for anything other than 

 it is? 



2. What is defective in Furetage lies not in the method, 

 but in the practice and application made of this; and 

 we ought not to hold the method responsible for abuses 

 Avhich have crept into it in practice. 



3. Furetage comprises a collection of harmonious rules 

 which have for their object to protect the interests of the 

 regeneration of beech copse woods, which is a complex 

 and delicate task ; it is impossible to condense these rules 

 into a formula — simple, brief, and precise, which may be 

 applicable without peril to innumerable cases in practice ; 

 it is, moreover, sufficient that the agents who have to 

 manage beech copsewoods should know the end they have 

 to keep before them; it is then for them, from the 

 resources supplied by their preparation and experience, to 

 find out the means of accomplishing this applicable to the 

 circumstances of each case. 



