In subsequent editions, I have attempted to carry Professor Hawley's philosophy into the present. Even more emphasis has been put on applying scientifically analytical reasoning to the formulation of silvicultural solutions to the diversity of management problems that foresters face. These problems are still construed as including both biological and socioeconomic considerations.
Previous editions of this book were intended entirely for use in North America but have come to be used on other continents. This edition has, therefore, been given a broader geographical scope although it is still intended primarily for North America. However, the continent has so many different kinds of forests that it is not a long step from them to the rest of the world. The principles of silviculture are independent of geography, even though geographical diversity makes application of the principles highly variable.
In view of the transition from the English to the metric system of measurements in the United States both systems are used interchangeably. The metric system is the preferred one but not to the extent of pedantic references to saplings 2.54 cm in diameter. The useful concept of the board foot is not abandoned.
Part 1 Tending and Intermediate Cutting
Part 2 Regeneration
Part 3 Silvicultural Systems