Abstract: Our study on the early selection of Chinese Fir started in 1964 and was completed in 1979. Stem height, diameter and volume growth were measured at various ages up to that of 16 (or 7) in a Chinese Fir progeny test. Rank correlations between mea surements taken at the age of 1 and 16 (or 7) were very significant.Between-family correlations indicate the reliability of early selection of families; within-family correlations show the reliability of early selection of individuals within families. The rank correlation coefficients of stem growth at the age of 16 (or 7) and other ages are presented as follows: Ages compared (yr.)Early-selection of seedling (between classes)Ages compared (yr.)Half-sid progeny test Between-family Within-family Height 1 vs. 16 r, = 0.971** 1 vs. 7 rs = 0.692** r,>0.7** Diameter 4 vs. 16 r8 = 0.870** 3 vs. 7 r, = 0.819** Volume 4 vs. 16 r. = 0.981** 3 vs. 7 rk = 0.854** The high correlation coefficients indicate the high possibility for the less matured trees to be selected for mature performance. Since early selection shortens the selection cycle it is hopeful for breeders to increase genetic gains per unit of time.According to our progeny test results, Chinese fir can increase its yearly genetic gain when selection is made at its sixth or seventh year of age and this gain would theoretically be 60% larger than the gain to be obtained when Chinese fir is selected at the age of 25.