Periodical Literature. 333 



wood of even-aged, pure deciduous trees the execution of the prin- 

 ciple will almost surely become impossible. Pruning would be too 

 expensive. The tendency of such openings to retard height growth 

 may give the advantage in that respect to the subordinate crop, 

 which, there is danger, may overgrow the elite. At least, the method 

 is questionable for deciduous species and pine. 



It is otherwise with spruce, fir, larch, which do not spread nor 

 are retarded in height growth as a result of opening,, the method 

 is with these applicable without doubt, but it must have done its 

 work and be discontinued by the time the period of maximum height 

 growth is ended, so as to preserve the stems with clear cylindrical 

 boles. But the difficulty in the choice of elite trees and the uncer- 

 tainty of their fate make it appear simpler even with these species 

 not to select a number, but treat all good dominant growth alike as 

 final harvest crop. After several thinnings the best will, of course, 

 remain. 



In irregular pure stands, the final harvest crop is easily recog- 

 nized but their treatment not as easily. Here not necessarily the 

 stoutest, but the highest are to be chosen. These, however, in ir- 

 regular pine or deciduous forest, should not be freed in early age, 

 which would lead to spreading their crown. Indeed, they do usually 

 not need any assistance. With spruce, larch, fir in irregular stand 

 when in close position the freeing will be satisfactorily responded to. 



The most favorable results come from this mode of thinning in 

 mixed growths, the species of which are different in height growth 

 and light requirement. Here, usually one species is to be favored, 

 and the trees of this species are destined to be dominant growth. 

 Indeed, here the light-needing species will necessarily have to be 

 protected by giving it space according to the needs of its shaft de- 

 velopment. 



The method of thinning according to the principle of equal stand- 

 ing room for all sound and normal members of the stand in even dis- 

 tribution, does not share in the objections of the thinning in the dom- 

 inant. This method does not require the maintenance of a filler, the 

 dominant trees being made to maintain crown cover and natural 

 clearing. Experience in the sample plats has shown, that with this 

 method stands on good sites even severely opened during the period 

 of maximum height growth close op rapidly, and satisfy as regards 

 increment. The removal of the filler or secondary crop prevents 



