SILVICULTURE IN THE ADIRONDACKS 895 



likely. The hardwoods left will also prevent undue drying of the soil. 

 Stirring of the soil by steam logging may favor reproduction by ex- 

 posing mineral soil. It is doubtful if as high a percentage of soft- 

 woods in the composition, as originally present, can be attained by 

 dependence on natural reproduction. 



The general concensus of opinion was that neither (i) nor (2) would 

 be satisfactory, either in application or in result. 



(3) The third possibility is the application of the method followed 

 by Dr. Fernow at Axton, namely, clear cutting, followed by planting, 

 depending on groups on hills and upper slopes of timber lightly cut, 

 for admixture of hardwoods. The species indicated are : Scotch pine 

 on very poor, sandy sites, having sour soils ; Norway spruce on better 

 soils, red pine on poor, sandy soils ; white pine, European larch, on 

 better soils, and white spruce for pulp. Douglas fir and white spruce 

 are experimental as yet in the Adirondacks. 



If softwoods are not to be continued, then on certain tracts it may 

 be to the best interests of the owner to manage his forest for produc- 

 tion of hardwoods and to make no attempt to secure softwood repro- 

 duction, either naturally or artificially. One cannot gauge the probable 

 future value of hardwoods. If not logged too closely, and if fires are 

 excluded, satisfactory natural reproduction should follow because of 

 more favorable seed-bed and the presence of a large number of seed 

 trees. Also, it will materially reduce the length of time for reproduc- 

 tion to become established and a second cut to be obtained (possibly 

 40 years as against 80 years or longer). 



3. Spruce slope — 



Clear cutting, if at all, and adequate fire protection. Logging, 

 properly conducted, will leave seed trees, on upper portions of slope 

 and on rocky spurs, of windfirm character and in sufficient numbers 

 to supplement amply reproduction already on the ground. One Adi- 

 rondack forester recommends that "Upper slopes should be cut clean 

 or left untouched. It is false economy to leave the. smaller trees in 

 these exposed areas, as they are certain to be windthrown and form a 

 fire trap besides hindering new growth." 



Some recommend a strip system, two tree-lengths wide. This was 

 not regarded as feasible from a logging standpoint. 



The Axton trip is a very profitable one for every forester, especially 

 those interested in the problems of the Northeast, and it is hoped that 

 many will take advantage of the first opportunity to look over the 

 work of the former College of Forestrv. 



