THE FOREST FROM A SILVICULTURAL STANDPOINT. 25 



sented. In a typical hardwood bottom no pine is present, but along 

 the borders of this type, where the soil is not quite so moist, a few 

 pines occasionally creep in. This forest of broadleaf species is 

 remarkable for its luxuriant growth and large timber. 



Although the gums and hickories are the most important in point 

 of numbers, the Cow Oaks and White Oaks will probably prove the 

 most important commercially. The forest as a whole has the appear- 

 ance of a nearly even-aged mature stand. The large, spreading crowns 

 of the oaks slightly overtop those of the other species. Rising to 

 nearly the same height are the gums, hickories, and ashes; and all 

 these species are very evenly distributed over the entire bottom. 

 Basswood is somewhat smaller in size, while the Holly and Hornbeam 

 form a kind of scattering underwood to the main stand. The forest 

 as a whole is dense, and but little light penetrates through the heavy 

 crowns. 



The most notable feature of this type of forest is the general absence 

 of young growth. With the exception of scattering specimens of 

 Sweet Gum, Holly, and Hornbeam saplings, reproduction of any 

 description is lacking. The following facts account for such a state 

 of things: 



(1) Throughout a large part of the forest the ground is kept too 

 dark for reproduction of any but the most tolerant species. 



(2) Wherever sufficient light occurs for the germination of seed- 

 lings, these rarely succeed, because — 



(<i) The very dense growth of cane makes it almost impossible for a 

 seedling to develop; and 



{b) In case a seedling struggles on in spite of the cane, it rarely sur- 

 vives the frequent and severe floods which are sure to occur each year. 



It is difficult to foretell just what the result of lumbering in the 

 hardwood bottoms will be. In all probability no natural reproduction 

 of the desired species can be hoped for, because of the dense cane and 

 grass and the inundations. As soon as light is admitted by the cut- 

 tings the growth of cane and grass will be greatly stimulated. No 

 figures can be given in this report in regard to the rate of growth of 

 the hardwoods, as circumstances were such that it was deemed best to 

 eontine such work to the pines. If the diameter limit is kept fairly 

 high in cutting these hardwoods (say at 20 inches), there is every reason 

 to believe that a good second crop will be ready for the axe when the 

 pine lands are cut over the second time. The chances of a sustained 

 yield in future years are, however, doubtful. 



The hardwood bottoms are not subject to forest tires, on account of 

 the moistness of the ground and the sentiment of the local popula- 

 tion. The dense growth of cane furnishes a most excellent supply of 

 fodder for cattle, and every winter the bottoms are full of stock from 

 the neighboring villages. In case a tire breaks out an alarm is soon 

 given and it is quickly extinguished. 



