MARKING HULKS FOR IDAIIU AND MONTANA 6TT 



systems of cutting employed, this type is somewhat similar to the 

 western white-pine type. Both are managed by two systems, selection 

 or improvement cutting and clear cutting. The objects in view in the 

 marking practiced on the two types differ somewhat, but, so far as the 

 application of pathological marking is concerned, no great differences 

 result. Similar marking regulations as recommended for the two 

 methods of cutting in the white-pine type are applicable to the two 

 methods of the larch-fir type. 



The Engelmann Spruce Type 



The principal tree of this t}pe, the Engelmann spruce, is a tree which 

 is quite susceptible to a number of destructive forest-tree diseases.^^ 

 some of which are apparently confined to the species. The fact that the 

 environment in which the tree grows is favorable to fungous develop- 

 ment makes the problem of hygiene in this type more difffcult. A shal- 

 low root system and the common occurrence of root and butt-rotting 

 fungi makes this tree subject to windfall. Heavy thinnings and scat- 

 tered seed trees are, therefore, dangerous in this respect. If the 

 methods of cutting in this type aim to produce pure or nearly pure 

 future stands of spruce, then there is the greatest need for the applica- 

 tion of marking rules which will ensure healthy, wind-resisting seed 

 trees and will protect the future crop from the various diseases. If the 

 spruce cutting is in the western w4iite pine type of stand and white pine 

 is favored in the second rotation, then the treatment in regard to mark- 

 ing would be the same as for the white-pine type classifications and 

 dependent upon the cutting methods employed. In the spruce type clear 

 cutting or strip cutting would appear to be the best method to apply, in 

 view of the nature of the principal tree. Strip cuttings are clean cuttings 

 on a smaller scale, and in definite-shaped areas and so far as patho- 

 logical marking rules are concerned can be included as clean cuttings. 

 If the clean cutting method is used in a pure or nearly pure stand of 

 spruce, nothing but a spruce reproduction is to be expected. If spruce 

 seed trees are reserved upon such areas, it is highly important that these 

 trees be absolutely sound, free of all disease, in groups, and left upon 

 sites other than wet flats ; the last for the reason that a common root 

 fungus, Poria suhacida, is apt to be more vigorous on low, wet ground. 

 Another reason for not leaving seed trees on soggy or poorly drained 

 soil, and which may apply to other trees as well, is that the tap-root is 

 frequently found decayed and the tree is easily overthrown by the wind. 



