Part II.] 
Caccia: Development of Sal. 
127 
B. — Stool Shoots . — 
I. Development of height growth is proportional to the age of the tree 
coppiced. 
11. Height growth is very fast at the commencement, culminating at an early 
age, frequently in the first or second year. 
111. Height gro'wth ceases at a comparatively early age. 
The systematic collection of statistical data relating to the progress 
of height growth of Sal has received httle attention ; and the few avail- 
able data merely represent the measurement of a very limited number 
of trees in scattered localities. On that account such figures are in- 
applicable and of small practical utility. The determination of the 
age at which the mean annual and the current annual height increment 
culminates ; and the determination of the development of the height for 
various qualities of locality are nevertheless of special interest to the 
fore.ster. The absence of distinct annual rings in the Sal renders a 
stem analysis impossible,* and in addition the number of trees of known 
age to be found in any one locahty is extremely small. Two courses, 
however, are open to the forester, namely, (a) the periodical height 
measurement of selected trees in sample plots, and (6) the determination 
for different localities of heights corresponding to given girths. 
The few height growth measurements so far recorded relate solely 
to the maximum height attained by mature Sal trees (five to ten feet in 
girth), in different localities. 
These figures would appear to indicate that three very distinct or 
broad quality classes may at once be estabhshed ; and, in the absence of 
any statistical data relating to the height develojjment of single stems, 
the following classification may be accepted as a purely temporary 
measure, namely : — 
Class I, or Best Quality of Locahty. Maximum height growth 
over 100 feet. 
Class II, or Medium Quality of Locahty. Maximum height growth 
t 60 to 100 feet. 
Class III, or Lowest Quahty of Locahty. Maximum height growth 
under 60 feet. 
In the best Sal tracts of the Singhbhum and Buxa Divisions, in the 
Kurseong Terai, and in the Banjar Valley of the Central Provinces, Sal 
* It is possible that La some of the tracts of Eastern Bengal and Assam, the annual 
rings of Sal trees may be sufficiently distinct to permit of a stem analysis : but further 
investigation appears to be necessary. 
