METHODS OF TREATMENT 87 



crop is then formed as soon as possible by sowing or planting, 

 and this is tended on to maturity with the necessary thinnings, 

 and is then again clean cut. The crop in any block is even 

 aged, and as, after the thicket stage, the sunlight only reaches 

 the tops of the crowns the trees grow tall, have clean boles, 

 and produce fine timber. At any felling the produce obtained 

 is all of about the same size, and as it is all lying together it 

 is usually readily saleable. The method is a simple one, and 

 easy to carry out. No damage is done to young growth in 

 the fellings ; on the other hand, as the young crop is formed 

 on cleared ground there is considerable danger of damage by 

 frost and drought, while weeds are also troublesome, and the 

 ground being exposed for some years the soil may deteriorate. 

 As compared with methods where natural regeneration is 

 possible, the formation of the new crop is expensive. 



All species can be treated under this method, but it is 

 chiefly suitable for hardy soil-improving species, such as spruce 

 and Douglas fir, and for the pines on short rotations. Where 

 light-dcmanders like oak, ash, and larch are grown under this 

 method they must be mixed with soil-improving trees, or 

 a modification of the method called 'frvo-storied high forest 

 must be employed. This consists of first planting the light- 

 demanders, and when these are thirty to forty years old 

 under-planting them with shade-bearers. The two crops 

 grow on together and the whole is then clear cut when the 

 light-demanders have reached the desired age. 



On the whole, when the soil is of good quality, and where 

 the conditions are unfavourable for natural regeneration, this 

 is a suitable system for many woods. Where, however, the 

 existing woods act beneficially in a mechanical way such as 

 by holding up the soil on steep slopes, or when they are 

 situated in exposed positions where it would be difficult to 

 form a new crop, or where they are required for shelter, clear 

 cutting should not be employed. 



