CHOICE OF METHOD OF FORMATION OF WOODS. 177 



or by sowing and planting. Still the outlay is consider- 

 ably smaller. It must, however, not be overlooked that 

 in the majority of cases natural regeneration requires 

 much time ; as long as the shelter trees increase suffi- 

 ciently in size and quality so as to make up for any loss 

 on this account no harm is done, but where this is not 

 the case artificial regeneration may be actually more 

 profitable. ^ 



(2.) Damage by frost, drought, and weed growth is 

 avoided, or at any rate considerably reduced. The same 

 may be said as regards damage by insects, though 

 perhaps not to an equal extent. 



(3.) The activity of the soil is maintained, and, to a 

 considerable extent, rendered independent of climatic 

 influences. 



(4.) Owing to the greater number of plants per unit 

 of area, clearer and straighter stems are produced than 

 in plantings, and also frequently in sowings, though the 

 difference in the latter case is less decided. This ad- 

 vantage can to a considerable extent be nullified by 

 dense planting and sowing, but in that case the cost is 

 proportionately increased. 



b. Disadvantages. 



(1.) The method is more complicated and difficult 

 than artificial regeneration; hence it demands more 

 skilful foresters. 



(2.) The intermittent nature of seed years produces 

 many drawbacks as regards the equalisation of the 

 yield and the control of operations. 



(3.) The removal of produce is also more expensive. 



VOL. II. 



