158 Forestry Quarterly 



value production leads to the removal of the smaller, for 

 generally speaking the increment on the larger diameter produces 

 greater value. 



In beech (shade-enduring) stems with watersproutseven in the 

 dominant are to be removed, for they cannot be cured. This is 

 different in oak, (light-needing) in which by dense undergrowth 

 the watersprouts can be suppressed. Final decision is always 

 based on most appropriate distribution of the upper crown space, 

 and on securing this object by the removal of the smallest possible 

 number. Hence in small groups the trees from the center are 

 indicated for removal. Living and viable undergrowth is to be 

 preserved unless it damages the dominant. 



The degree of thinning depends upon the time of return, 

 whether in 3, 5, 10, etc., years. The best results in diameter in- 

 crease are secured if the degree is so chosen, that complete crown- 

 cover is again established just at the time when the thinning is 

 planned to be repeated, anticipating any struggle. Yet, it 

 should be kept in mind, that in older stands one broadcrowned 

 dominant tree taken away may never be replaced in future ; hence 

 more frequent return, i.e., less severe opening, keeping in mind 

 the general rule, that only evidently damaging parts are to be re- 

 moved, is indicated. 



Where oak and other valuable species are being narrowed in by 

 poorer material and for some reason a thinning cannot be made, 

 girdling may be resorted to ; also where damage by removal is 

 feared or sprouting is to be prevented. It is not necessary to cut 

 through, but merely with the back of the axe to break the bark all 

 around, when death will occur in a few years, the change being 

 gradual. 



Anleitung zur Auszeichnung der Durchforstungen iin Herrschcnden, 

 Allgemeine Forst- und Jagdzeitung, pp 70 72. Feb., 1906. 



Mr. Schiffel reviews Dr. Kuntze's article on 

 Thinning the influence of different degrees of thin- 



and ning on shaft form, published in Tharand- 



Shaft Form. ter Jahrbuch, Vol. 55. 



Kuntze, upon the basis of observations con- 

 tinued through 42 years on sample areas thinned in three differ- 

 ent grades, comes to the conclusion that, for spruce at least, the 

 general belief that a severe thinning influences shaft form unde- 



