We will use this technique to sample a woodlot. Most wooded areas will have several different tree species. Choose a woodlot that has at least 3 tree species. This should not be a problem unless you choose to sample a tree plantation that has only one species. Your samples should include at least 3 species of trees.
1. One method of determining the location of sample points in a field is to first obtain two two-digit random numbers that are less than 50 from a table of random numbers. If you do not know how to use a table of random numbers, see the instructions for using a table of random numbers. These numbers are used to determine the coordinates of a sample point. For example, if these numbers were 22 and 12, you would pace 22 steps along one border and then turn 90 degrees and pace off another 12 paces into the area to be sampled. For our purposes, we will simply walk in a straight line through a woodlot. The number of paces will be determined by selecting a two-digit random number that is less than 50. If you reach the end of the woodlot before obtaining 5 sample points, turn 90 degrees and walk along the edge for a few paces and then turn another 90 degrees and walk in a line parallel to the one you just sampled as is indicated in the diagram. The distance between the two lines could be determined by a single random digit.