8 
INTRODUCTORY. 
We might, indeed, reverse the old saying, and declare that we 
cannot see the trees on account of the wood. 
Nature and the timber-producer have different aims and pur- 
sue different methods in the making of forests, though the latter 
is not above taking a hint from the former occasionally. Nature 
mixes her seeds and sows them broadcast over the land she 
intends to turn into forest, that the more vigorous kinds may act 
as nurses, sheltering and protecting the less robust. Then comes 
the struggle for existence, with its final ending in the survival of 
the fittest. In the mean time the mixed forest has given shelter 
to an enormous population of smaller fry — plants, mammals, 
birds, and insects — and has been a delightful recreation ground 
for man. The timber-producer aims at so controlling the struggle 
for existence that the survival of the fit is maintained from 
start to finish. He plants his young trees in regular order, 
putting in nurses at intervals and along the borders, intending 
to cut them down when his purpose has been served. The timber 
trees are allowed no elbow-room, the putting forth of lateral 
branches is discouraged, but steady upward growth and the 
production of “ canopy ” is abetted. His aim is to get these 
timber-sticks as near alike as possible, free from individuality, 
and with the minimum of difference in girth at top and bottom 
of each pole. This means a thicker and longer balk of clean 
timber when the tree is felled and squared. The continuous 
canopy induces growth in the upward direction only, and dis- 
courages the weeds and undergrowth that add to the charm of 
the forest, but which unprofitably use up the wood-producing 
elements in the soil. This plan contrasts strongly with the 
views on planting formerly prevalent in this country, John 
Evelyn, for example, making a special point of giving the Oak 
room to stretch out its arms, “ free from all incumbrances.” But, 
then, unlike the timber-producers, Evelyn had an eye for land- 
scape beauty, and giving an opportunity for the display of such 
beauty. He says : “ And if thus his Majesty’s forests and chases 
