CAREFUL METHODS OF CLEARING. 



269 



ground is covered with snow, the logs are simply dragged along 

 over it, or are fastened to the front wheels of a timber-cart, or 

 to a sledge. In any case much labour is saved by slightly 

 raising the butt-end of the log from the ground on a slip. 



In the Bavarian Alps a simple arrangement, the dragging- 

 shoe (Fig. 166), has proved useful. It hinders soil erosion 

 and the up -rooting of plants. The shoe is placed under the 

 front of the log, which sticks on the iron points, if it gets 

 loose during transport, the other pointed iron is driven into 

 the log. 



In most forests, sliding or dragging are the usual methods 

 employed for clearing the felling-area ; on slopes by men, and 



Fig. It',*;. r>;iv;iri;m -hoe. 



on fairly level ground by animals. In the case of reproduc- 

 tion-areas, and especially those in coniferous forests, dragging 

 should be done only with great care, the log not being 

 allowed to roll ; there should also be sufficient snow on the 

 ground. Dragging injures young plants more than any other 

 method and greatly exposes young conifers to attacks of 

 weevils. It must, however, often be employed even when 

 the ground is free from snow, but in such cases it is not 

 sufficient to slide or drag the logs along cleared tracks ; a pair 

 of high wheels also should be used if the ground is not too 

 steep. Logs should also be rounded at their butts when dragged 

 or slid, as then they do less damage. 



the ground is not stocked with young growth, there 



