Vegetation of Southeast Asia Studies of Forest Types 1963-1965

in the Philippine Islands, launched a study to develop a system
of forest reconnaissance, suitable for use in the wet tropics.
The system, developed by the Forest Department in the Federated
Malay States, was the Strip Valuation Siu-vey, which involved
careful recording and evaluation of map notes. It was found that
a one percent evaluation gave a Very fair notion of the average
composition of large areas. More detailed examination, was
necessary of areas less than 10,000 acres, or where very elaborate
and expensive systems of exploration were contemplated. The
author described the method used in mapping; in recording evaluation
of trees; detailed plan of work in the field; and progress
made in Malaya up to 192U on the survey.
A summary is given of reconnaissance vork carried out in British
North Borneo and in the Malay Peninsula and the conclusions arrived
at. Four tables are included, showing method of recording topographical
notes; tree measurements; and statistics from block re -
conr.aissance.
«
. Commercial Timber Trees of the Malay Peninsula. I-jtuayan Forest
Records No. 3. 195 PP- illustr. 1 map. 1927.
The timber trees of the Malay Peninsula are represented by many
and imperfectly known species. The need for a manual for use by
forest officers and others,, as an aid to identify the more important
trees in the field, had long been felt. The purpose of this manual
is to present in simple language, th'e distinguishing features for
each tree-species. A concise summary is .given of the characters
of each commercially useful tree.
To accomplish this the author stressed the initial importance
of becoming acquainted with the species furnishing timbers. Herbarium
material made it possible to work out the botanical status
of the respective species, as well as providing a great deal of information
about their natural distribution and habitat. The relative
and actual abundance of the different species was also determined.
A comprehensive chart was prepared to show the known occurrence of
the different commercial timbers in the various districts.
Before treating with the general characteristics of individual
tree species, the author furniched a brief discussion of the geography
of the region, its climate, soil and topography; also a
treatment of the types of forests of the Malay Peninsula and their
specific composition. The forests of Malay may be roughly grouped
into: littoral, lowland, and mountain or hill forests, eac.n of
which may be separated into a series of subdivisions.
There is a short list of references, particularly those furnishing
descriptions of leaves, flowers ani forests. A key is given
to the principal timber trees of the Malayan Peninsula 'for use in
the forest, with emphasis on features most apparent in the field.
Description of individual species follows a definite order of
arrangement according to families, based on abundance as indicated
by the enumeration survey. In each instance the common name most
generally used, and alternate vernacular names, are given;