228 



Mine-props. — Mine-props will probably be produced chiefly from 

 the thinning of stands that are intended primarily for ties or saw- 

 timber. Where land is owned by mining companies, however, props 

 may be the principal object of management. The same sprout system 

 as suggested for tie production is most suitable, but with a still shorter 

 rotation. The reserves left for seedling reproduction, after they have 

 served this purpose, may be utilized for larger mine timbers. 



Box and Cooperage Timber. — Since for these purposes timber of 

 good size is desired, the general group system should be used, as if for 

 the production of ordinary saw-timber. Those species which are rapid- 

 growing and at the same time adapted to package-making should be 

 favored in the cuttings. The bottomland types are especially well suited 

 to the production of this class of timber. 



FOREST TYPES 



Special treatment is required, too, with each general forest type, 

 particularly as to what species should be favored. One species may 

 be discriminated against in favor of another by cutting a larger pro- 

 portion of it when thinning the stand, and by eliminating seed trees. 

 The same result is accomplished by using a diameter limit and cutting 

 the undesirable species to a lower diameter. Of course, where the 

 most valuable kinds do not grow, the next best must be favored. 



Southern Bottomlands. — The probability that land of this type will 

 be cleared in a comparatively short time prohibits any scheme of 

 management involving reproduction of the forest except on permanent 

 woodlots. However, if the present cutting operations were restricted to 

 the larger trees, and the best of the young trees were left to grow, the 

 resulting stand would be very valuable in from fifteen to twenty-five 

 years. These stands should be left where it is probable that the land 

 will not be in demand for farming before such a period has elapsed. 

 The trees that are now six to sixteen inches in diameter are making 

 their best development, and the additional light given them by taking 

 out the larger trees would stimulate them to a very rapid growth. 

 Stands that have been cut more closely than is advisable, with a second 

 crop in view, may yield in some cases a second cutting of value. Such 

 stands may be improved by thinning, if the small material taken out can 

 be utilized. Young hickory, of which there is a great deal in some 

 places, may sometimes be handled for hoop-poles with profit. 



Most of the bottomland species are valuable for forest manage- 

 ment because of their rapid growth and good quality. In general, the 

 trees to be preferred are red gum, swamp Spanish, pin, and white oaks, 

 elm, Cottonwood, hickory, and black walnut. Many others of less wide 

 distribution may be fostered in the localities where they grow. 



