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JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



exposure to the sun prevents tree seeds from germinating and checks 

 the growth of seedHngs. Moreover a severe cutting within this type 

 not only causes desiccation in the soil but also the mortality in the 

 standing trees that remain. This mortality seems to be mainly induced 

 by exposure and sun scald but is also probably caused by the effect 

 on shallow rooted species of rapid and undue drying in the surface 

 layers of the soil. It is not confined to hardwoods alone but is com- 

 mon to all species. It is to be observed, however, that the greater part 

 of the softwoods left after the logging will probably be of small size, 

 rather than defective, and hence when a greater number of them is 

 found in the mortality record, there is offered a distinct reduction in 

 the chances for a second crop. 



Table 1. — Data Regarding Average Sample Acre — Spruce Flat, near Wanakena, 

 St. Lazwence Co., N. Y. 



A general conclusion seems to indicate that following a heavy cutting 

 on this type the need of girdling the cull hardwoods will, to a certain 

 extent be obviated on account of the consequent natural death of a 

 considerable part of them within the next 10 or 15 years. It should 

 be pointed out, however, that girdling over large areas within the type, 

 and on adjacent types, would mean the disappearance of potential 

 undesirable hardwood seed trees and a consequent favoring of more 

 desirable softwood reproduction, both in its seedling and advanced 

 growth. 



The degree of the influence of the condition just described on cut 

 ■over lands within the spruce flat type seems to be directly proportional 



