Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is a factual question about a specific Japanese forest inventory technique used for height estimation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Vertical Point Sampling: While Bitterlich developed horizontal point sampling for basal area, the Japanese scientist Hirata proposed vertical point sampling to estimate the average height of a forest stand.
• Principle: It involves counting trees whose heights subtend an angle greater than a fixed vertical angle at the sampling point.
• The Instrument: Hirata developed a simple instrument called the "Conimeter" for this specific purpose. It looks like a small cone or a device with a fixed vertical slot/angle.
• Result: By counting the number of trees $(n)$ that "cross" the conimeter's angle, the mean stand height can be mathematically calculated.
• Other Options: Haga and Smithies are hypsometers for measuring the height of individual trees, not stand-level vertical sampling. Wedge prism is for horizontal sampling.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The instrument is the Conimeter.