would constitute a conservative percentage of trees to cut down.  This depends entirely on the local conditions and on the exposure of the woodlot.  But in general it is not well to remove more than twenty per cent of the stand nor to repeat the cutting on the same spot oftener than once in five or six years.  The first cutting will, of course, be the heaviest and all subsequent cuttings will become lighter and lighter until the woodlot is put in good growing condition.  On private estates and parks, where beauty is the chief aim, the woodland should be kept as natural, informal and as thick as possible.  Where the woodland is cut up by many paths and drives, density of vegetation will add to the impression of depth and distance.

Protection:  This subject has already been discussed considerably in the
    previous study on Forestry, and here it becomes necessary merely to
    add a few suggestions with special reference to private and park
    woodlands.

Guarding woodlands from fire is the most important form of protection.  Surface fires are very common on small woodland holdings and the damage done to the standing vegetation is generally underestimated.  An ordinary ground or surface fire on a woodland area will burn up the leaf-litter and vegetable mold, upon which the trees depend so much for food and moisture, and will destroy the young seedlings on the ground.  Where the fire is a little more severe, the older trees are badly wounded and weakened and the younger trees are frequently killed outright.  Insects and disease find these trees an easy prey, and all related forest conditions commence to deteriorate.

Constant watchfulness and readiness to meet any emergency are the keynote of effective fire protection.  Notices similar to the one shown in Fig. 143 often help to prevent fires.  It is also helpful to institute strict rules against dropping lighted matches or tobacco, or burning brush when the ground is very dry, or leaving smouldering wood without waiting to see that the fire is completely out.  There should be many roads and foot-paths winding through the woodland in order that they may serve as checks or “fire lanes” in time of fire.  These roads and paths should be kept free from brush and leaves and should be frequently patrolled.  When made not too wide, unpretentious and in conformity with the natural surroundings, such drives and paths can become a very interesting feature of the place, winding through the woodland, exposing its charms and affording opportunity for pleasant driving and walking.  The borders of the paths can be given special attention by placing the more beautiful native shrubs in prominent positions where they can lend increased attractiveness.

In case of fire, it should be possible to call for aid by telephone directly from the woodland and to find within easy reach the tools necessary to combat fire.  It is also important to obtain