388 



Forestry in Norway. 



[AUG., 



that is such a feature of the country.* These men live within 

 easy reach of the woods, and, being bred to their work, 

 are very reliable. 



The wages paid are high compared to ordinary agricultural 

 wages. A woodcutter now earns 2S, lo^d. a day, compared 

 with 2S. o^d. in 1880; while a driver with a horse can earn 

 half as much again. In the sawmills 25. iifti., and in the 

 timber yards 3s. id., are average daily wages. 



State Forests. — As is the case in many other European 

 countries, the Norwegian Crown Lands represent now only a 

 part of what they have been. The best forests long ago 

 passed into the hands of private individuals either at times 

 of financial need or under the lax supervision with which 

 they were formerly administered. 



The institution of so-called rights of cutting and grazing 

 has, in some parts, been allowed to grow to such an extent 

 that at least 10 per cent, of the State forests yield no income, 

 while from other large tracts only a trifling income is 

 obtained. "Rights" are largely held by the peasant pro- 

 prietors whose land adjoins the forests and include : limited 

 right to fell "dry " or damaged timber and firewood; right to 

 gather herbage, bedding material, cones, etc., and to graze 

 animals, sometimes including goats (an extremely harmful 

 privilege). 



Another important point is the latitude and altitude. Over 

 57 per cent, of the State forests lie north of latitude 65°, and 

 are, therefore, slow in yield. In the south a great proportion 

 are at high altitudes and are much scattered. As an example 

 of this, the Church woods, over which the State Department 

 has control, have a total area of 163,000 acres and are split 

 into 326 separate forests, each containing, on an average, 

 500 acres. t 



Government Forest Service. — The first preparation towards 

 setting in order the woods management of the country was 

 made in 1737, but the present organisation dates from 1857, 

 when a Bureau of Forestry with a Director at its head was 



* Coast Erosion Commission, 2nd Report : Miller 23372 — " Practically all the 

 labour we get for the forests of Norway ... is from small farms— small holdings." 



+ The Church woods are mostly in excellent condition and are not found difficult 

 to manage. Witnesses before the British Royal Commission declared the manage- 

 ment of similar areas difficult and costly. 



