688 JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



where results fully as good as those secured by marking can be ob- 

 tained by applying rigidly a diameter limit. The logging contracts on 

 the Nehasane Park provide for the reservation of trees above the limit 

 and for cutting those below, if designated by the forester. As a result 

 of study by the forester in charge of the park, it is his judgment that 

 not enough is to be gained silviculturally through marking to pay for 

 the extra cost. 



Criticism No. 4. — The cutting is not distinguishable from that of a 

 logging operation where forestry receives no consideration. 



The best reply to this criticism is to call attention to the fact that 

 a forestry cutting may be identical in character with an ordinary log- 

 ging operation. Similarity to the latter is not in itself a proof that 

 the former is technically unsound. The time has passed, if it ever 

 existed, when it is necessary for foresters to conduct work in an un- 

 economic manner merely to achieve something different from an ordi- 

 nary logging job. In fact, it is advisable to depart as little from 

 customary procedure as will suffice to accomplish the purpose of 

 forestry. 



Cutover areas can be found in the Adirondacks either better or 

 worse looking than the lands at Nehasane; but in this region the 

 appearance of a given area after logging depends more on the species 

 cut, the amount of defective timber in the stand, and upon the possi- 

 bility of utilizing hardwoods than on the question of whether or not 

 forestry is being practiced by the owner. 



Criticism No. 5. — The forest is not being managed so as to increase 

 the percentage of spruce. 



This is true ; but it is considered unsound forestry practice to at- 

 tempt such a step. On the softwood lands the percentage of soft- 

 woods is maintained or increased, but on the hardwood land the 

 percentage is decreased. 



No one species should be favored over the whole area. The para- 

 mount consideration is the replacement of over-mature, defective 

 timber with a healthy young crop. The composition of this crop is 

 distinctly secondary. 



The only way in which the percentage of spruce could be appreciably 

 increased in the future forest would be by heavy cuttings followed by 

 artificial regeneration^ "^ ® and by cleanings. This is too intensive a 



