os ees 
> , FORESTRY EDUCATION. 95 
thus involving a serious loss of time. No doubt this is in some 
cases compensated for by a rapid increase of the volume and value 
of the shelter-trees, but this does not occur in all cases. In not 
a few cases, after having waited for a number of years without 
obtaining a new crop, or only a partial one, artificial regeneration 
has, after all, to step in and complete the crop, or even do the 
whole work. There can be no doubt that the successful conduct 
of natural regeneration under a shelter-wood requires the highest 
skill of the forester; and if the regeneration of a mixed wood is 
in question, the process may justly be called an “art,” which only 
the greatest attention and skill can lead to a successful issue. 
In the case of hardy species, especially if they are light- 
demanding from early youth onward, artificial regeneration is 
generally indicated, and leads to more satisfactory results than 
natural regeneration. Amongst this class of trees may be 
mentioned the larch, birch, Scots pine, and even the Weymouth 
pine, and in many cases also the spruce. 
Then the soil, and especially the climate of a particular locality, 
have a decided influence upon the choice of method. Where the 
quality of the soil and the nature of the climate are unfavourable, 
a shelter-wood is indicated, so as to prevent a deterioration of the 
productive factors of the locality, or the springing up of a noxious 
growth of weeds. Where the climate is favourable, and especially 
where a too rapid drying up of the soil is not to be feared, as in 
most parts of this country, artificial regeneration may safely be 
‘resorted to. In this respect you will, no doubt, have found a 
decided difference between North Germany and Scotland. In this 
country I should not hesitate for a single moment to regenerate 
larch, Scots-:pine, Weymouth, and even spruce by artificial means. 
As to the comparative cost, it is generally asserted that sowing 
or planting requires a certain outlay, which is not necessary under 
natural regeneration, but it is only too frequently overlooked that 
under the latter process much time may be lost, and after all 
“time is money.” Hence it cannot be said off-hand that the one 
method is cheaper than the other. Do not let me, however, be 
misunderstood. There are many cases in which I should adopt 
natural regeneration; all I mean to say is, that there are others, 
in which artificial regeneration is just as good, and not a few 
where it is better. 
From the above remarks we are justified in concluding that 
there is no reason why just as good timber as that now imported 
