MARYLAND GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 231 



trees per acre. In other words, the desired species are present in number 

 almost sufficient for the estimated stand and by the substitution of 

 species of slightly inferior character we have the desired number. 



From tliG foregoing it is seen that the crop desired can be grown and 

 that the crop is already started. The problem is, therefore, a simple 

 one of proper treatment. The following suggestions as to the care of 

 the crop will, if followed, do much to bring the forests of the county into 

 good growing condition.^ 



Cultural Treatment. 



The principal part of the crop is to come from chestnut, white oak, 

 and 3'ellow poplar. It is, therefore, first necessary to take account of 

 stock and find out what species are present and in what number and 

 size. If we find the desirable trees are absent steps must be taken to 

 establish them, either by natural seeding or planting. On the greater 

 part of the timbered areas of the county, chestnut, white oak, and yellow 

 poplar are present, so that seeding and planting will be necessary only on 

 small areas. 



The first step in the care of the crop is one that corresponds to thin- 

 ning or weeding. Old or defective oak, chestnut, or yellow poplar which 

 are crowding young growth, or occupying good ground that might pro- 

 duce young trees are to be removed. Defective, crooked, or stunted young 

 oaks, chestnut, and yellow ^loplar are also to be removed, and with them 

 such inferior trees as gum, maple, beech, sassafras, and sycamore. 



This thinning or weeding is to take place gradually and only as fast 

 as the materials removed can be used. They are to furnish the fuel, 

 fencing, and construction timber used annually. These cuttings should 

 be so regulated that the oak, chestnut, and yellow poplar shall seed in 

 the openings made. In removing inferior species, especially those which 

 sprout readily, care should be taken to prevent their coming in again on 

 the cleared area. Openings should never be large, as the admission of 



'More detailed Information and assistance may be had by applying to the 

 State Forester, Baltimore, Md. 



