SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON MAPLE. 261 



d. Shape and Development. 



The stem of the Maple, though straight, divides 

 rather low down into branches; it forms large oval 

 crowns if grown in the open, which are of moderate 

 density. In crowded woods Maple develops a tall, 

 cylindrical stem, with a small crown restricted to the 

 upper part of the stem. The root-system is deep- 

 going. Maple at first shows fyuick height-growth, but it 

 falls off comparatively early, so that it is liable to be 

 passed by Beech, though it may ultimately reach the 

 same height. Both Maples reach a large diameter, and 

 a great age. 



e. Reproductive Power. 



Sycamore produces full crops of seed after the age 

 of 40 years, Norway Maple a few years earlier ; they 

 are not very heavy, and occur about every other year ; 

 on the whole the reproductive power by seed is good. 

 That from the stool is moderate, and the stools do not 

 last long. 



f. Character and Composition of Woods. 



Though Maple is fairly well adapted for pure woods, 

 it is generally mixed with other species, especially 

 Beech, also Oak, and even Conifers. 



g. Sylvicultural Systems. 

 High forest, standards in coppice, and coppice. 



h. Formation of Woods. 



Maple is generally planted, though it reproduces 

 naturally wherever it has a chance. 



