Part TI.] 
Caccia : Development of Sal. 
87 
whether it is proposed to collect data for the preparation of stem volume 
tables, or merely timber or merchantable volume tables ; for it is obvious 
that measurements should be taken on similar lines by every recording 
officer. The preparation of stem volume tables, combined with figures 
showing the ratio of merchantable to total contents, so that the volume of 
merchantable timber may be obtained by the use of ordinary stem volume 
tables, is a procedure that may commend itself. 
The great progress which has been made on the continent of Europe 
during the past half century in the collection of forest statistical data, 
whereby it has been found possible to publish tables for each of the prin- 
cipal European species showing according to age the corresponding 
height, diameter, and volume, the form factor, the total volume, and the 
proportion between timber and branch wood and small wood, must 
primarily be attributed to the existence of a large number of centres or 
institutions specially engaged in working up such figures,* and to the 
resources placed at their disposal. But the success achieved in the col- 
lection of the data, upon which the published tables are based, is un- 
doubtedly due to the holding of periodical Forest Conferences for the 
purpose of prescribing, after due discussion and consideration, a common 
programme of research work, subsequently enforced in all Forest Divi- 
sions. This procedure may well be copied in India. It is suggested to 
all Conservators that periodical (triennial or quinquennial) Provincial 
or Circle Conferences of forest officers be held, including representatives 
of the Imperial Forest Kesearch Institute, with the object of elaborating 
a suitable programme of studies to be undertaken in each division under 
the direction of the Conservator during the ensuing period. It is felt 
that in this way alone can any real and continuous work of scientific 
investigation be devised and carried through. 
Reference to the sylvicultural requirements of the Sal, except as re- 
gards the effects of “ Thinnings ” on the rate of growth, is necessarily 
omitted : but attention may be invited to Mr. Eardley-Wilmot’s “ Notes 
on Sal forests : their life-history and treatment,” fidly dealing with this 
Bubject.l The effects of fire-protection on the rate of growth, and parti- 
cularly on natural reproduction in certain particular locahties, also calls 
for special investigation. J 
*There are nine Forest Research Bureaux in Germany alone. 
fCalcutta, OfBce of Superintendent of Government Printing, India, 1898. 
JSee Assam Annual Report for the year lfK).')-06, paragraph 3 of Resolution. Appendix 
A of this Note may also be consulted, 
