SWISS FORESTRY

SUMMARY

Only 5 per cent. of the Swiss forests are State owned, and the Government Forest Services are consequently largely supervisory and advisory. The freedom of forest managers from detailed central control has resulted in strong competition and independence of thought in both silviculture and forest management. Unfortunate results arising from the indiscriminate planting of pure spruce over wide areas during the 19th century led to the clear felling system being generally superseded by shelter wood systems, and the belief that uneven-aged mixed stands of conifers and hardwoods ensure maximum health of the forest has given a strong impetus to the development of selection management under the Methode du Controle.