PEEFACE 



Since the publication of the first edition of this book in 

 1904, several events of importance to English forestry have 

 taken place, but few have been of a nature to alter materially 

 the conditions under which estate woods are maintaiued. 

 As time goes on, the views of foresters, in common with 

 those of other individuals, are apt to change, and the author 

 does not claim exemption from this tendency of human 

 nature. With the exception of unimportant details, however, 

 he cannot honestly say that his views of the theory and 

 practice of Enghsh forestry have undergone any change. 



During the past year or so, the author has had excep- 

 tional opportunities of studying this subject in the north of 

 England, and comparing it with estate forestry in the south. 

 Apart from differences due to such distinct sylvicult-ural 

 systems as ordinary plantations and the older " coppice with 

 standards," and to climatic conditions which affect the growth 

 of certain species, the principal features of woods in the north 

 very closely resemble those found in woods in the south. 

 Damage by ground game, excessive thinnings in the early 

 stages, and the evils of indiscriminate mixtures are all 

 exempliiied on a larger or smaller scale in all parts of 

 England, exceptions, of course, occurring here and there. 



In one respect, however, progress has been made which 

 will doubtless affect the forestry of the future to a consider- 

 able extent. The education of the English forester has at 

 last been recognised by the Government, as represented by 

 the Board of Agriculture and the Office of Works. Grants 

 have been made by the former for the definite purpose of 

 supporting lectureships on forestry, and the provision of 

 expert advice to landowners. The Office of Works, as 



