The Natural Regeneration of Forests. 29 



the previous one has been stocked, a measure of success is thus 

 guaranteed. The disadvantages are that the work is very much 

 scattered, and the mature crop is removed under difficulties. 



III. — By the compartment .system the mature crop is, 

 as a rule, more quickly removed than in the previous 

 systems, and the young seedlings are generally the result 

 of one year's seeding. It may, however, take six or 

 more years to produce the desired density of crop. The 

 mature crop is removed in the case of light-demanding trees at 

 two stages, while in the case of shade bearers there are usually 

 the three following stages: (1) The preparatory felling, which is 

 carried out with a view to bringing the soil into a suitable state 

 for the reception and germination of the seed. The number of 

 trees removed at this stage depends on the density of the crop, the 

 condition of the layer of leaf humus, and the liability or otherwise 

 of weeds to spring up with the admission of light. In light 

 demanding species, as Scots pine, the humus is usually in a well 

 decomposed state, so that a preparatory felling is rarely neces- 

 sary. Where the species is a shallow rooted one, the prepara- 

 tion fellings are necessary in order to strengthen the root systems 

 of those trees which are to remain till the final stages, or it may 

 be for another rotation, against wind. At this stage as much as 

 30 per cent, of the mature stand is sometimes removed. (2) The 

 desired conditions as to crop and soil surface having been 

 obtained, a full seed year is awaited when the second stage is 

 reached. The seed having ripened, fallen, and germinated satis- 

 factorily, the whole of the remaining stems, with the exception of 

 a few selected small crowned trees, are removed. The number 

 left depends on the age, size, and species. Old and large trees 

 produce more shade, and fewer would therefore be left, while 

 with tender and slow-groiving species it is better to leave a heavier 

 shelter wood. (3) The seedlings will now come up, and as soon 

 as the ground has been satisfactorily stocked, the final stage is 

 reached, when the remaining stems are removed. As light is 

 essential to the well-being of young forest crops, this final clear- 

 ance should be carried out as quickly as possible after the young 

 trees have got beyond the danger of frost and weeds. If delayed 

 too long, much damage will result from the fall and removal of 

 the stems. Where timber of a large size is in demand, a number 

 of the best stems, which have small crowns, long straight boles, 



