G—3a

186. The staff of the Institute is as follows : Professor Eide (Chief: since 1921), Professor Mork (Forest Biology), Professor Klem (Utilization, and Related Silvicultural Problems), Mr. Brantsig (Yield Tables ; Production Studies), Mr. Ruden (Plant Breeding and Genetics), Mr. Samseth (Forest Work Studies). In addition, there are two forestry graduate assistants, three ranger research assistants, and one research bursar (for three years). 187. From Professor Eide it was learnt that the Institute's research policy was based essentially on a close integration of the work of all members of the staff under his personal direction : the Institute, in fact, worked as a team, and consequently did not recognize any distinct sections, as is usual in larger research institutions. 188. An important function of the Institute is the compilation and interpretation of the results of the second national forest survey, which started in 1938. In this and many other respects it works in close liaison and to the direct advantage of the Forest Service and of private forestry. In 1946 the Forest Owners and Industries Research Association was formed with the view to financing further forestry research, a progressive move which is a tribute to the results achieved by the Forest Research Institute. In the same year as its formation the Association imposed a voluntary research levy on its members, which yields approximately £45,000, a considerable proportion of which was allotted to the Forest Research Institute. 189. To provide adequate facilities for the Institute, plans have been approved for a new research building at Aas, incorporating the results of the experience of overseas design. It is to be a three-story brick building of simple rectangular design, and it is hoped to be able to obtain a copy of the final plan. 190. At the College of Agriculture, Professors Sandmo (Forest Utilization), Traaen (Protection), and Roll-Hansen (Botany) were most helpful and courteous ; Professor Heiberg (Silviculture), whom the writer met at the Helsinki Congress, was unfortunately in Northern Norway. The most time was spent with Professor Eide, to great advantage; he possesses an outstanding personality and it was appreciated that he has an inspiring influence on Norwegian forestry. Middle Forestry Education at Kongsberg 191. Through the courtesy of the Director of Forestry, Mr. Langsaeter, and his Secretary, Mr. Ostbye, a visit was made to the State School of Forestry at Kongsberg, fifty miles north of Oslo. This School, establishedin 1875, is the oldest of the three middle schools which provide a one-year ranger course, and serve as preparatory schools for higher forestry education at the Norwegian College of Agriculture at Aas. In 1949 the three schools admitted 110 students out of 350 applicants. The conditions of admission are: (1) At least nineteen years of age ; (2) good health certificate ; (3) attestation of good character ; (4) at least one year's all-round forestry practice. The students are admitted by the Forest Service (Board of Forestry) upon the recommendation of the Principal of the School. Education is free, but a charge is made for board.

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