760 JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



. Unquestionably fire affects conifer species more than it does aspen, 

 due to the difference in methods of reproduction. It doubtless helps 

 the latter to extend itself by stimulating its sprouting propensities. 

 However, it does not follow that conifers could replace all aspen if 

 fires were kept out. There is no proof that fires have been excep- 

 tionally numerous in the past; nor is the writer aware of any claim 

 that fires have been more numerous in Utah, Nevada, and southern 

 Idaho than in northern Idaho ; yet the proportion of aspen to conifer- 

 ous stands is very different in the two regions. Thus, in the timber 

 estimates for Utah and Idaho forests, aspen is quite prominent; for 

 the Fishlake it is placed at 52 per cent ; for the Humboldt, 63 per cent, 

 and for the Santa Rosa practically at 100 per cent. For the forests in 

 northern Idaho the aspen stands are so insignificant that this species is 

 usually left entirely out of the estimates. 



By way of proving the proposition, examination and identification 

 of charcoal specimens dug up in one particular locality, perhaps in the 

 mixed type or near it, will likely be attended by errors in identification 

 and in interpretation of results. Such data do not appear conclusive 

 unless carried on in numerous localities and with numerous verifica- 

 tions. Moreover, charcoal in soil may not last longer than human 

 memory. 



It is generally admitted that trees of considerable size, like the native 

 conifers, will occasionally, if not frequently, be uprooted. When this 

 happens, a permanent mound of soil remains beside a depression or pit 

 left by the roots of the falling tree and the soil removed by them. The 

 trees thus literally erect their own monuments, as it were, and of a 

 nature regarded by engineers as permanent. The writer does not re- 

 member noticing this type of evidence or proof in the pure aspen type. 



As already intimated, a proper understanding of this matter is needed 

 to formulate future management and reforestation policies. In so far 

 as aspen is a permanent type, it should be considered satisfactory with- 

 out underplanting. Should further experiments show that it is eco- 

 nomically advisable to underplant it, such work should then be classed 

 as "afforestation" instead of "reforestation" and the final result awaited 

 with less certainty. Our present policy is one of suspense. Large for- 

 estation projects will not be undertaken in the aspen type until con- 

 clusive data can be obtained on the economic value of aspen as com- 

 pared with conifers and until actual experiments with dift'erent species 

 show whether a suitable one can be found for the purpose. After 

 numerous failures with native conifers, it is likely that the greatest 

 chances for success are with a foreign species, like Norway spruce. 

 If any of the native conifers could hold its own as against aspen, it is 

 presumed that it would be doing so now. 



