38 



should be kept separate in mind, although they may be com- 

 bined in the woods. 



160. Thinnings bring important results. They lessen 

 the danger from fungus and insect attack and from fire. 

 By taking out the inferior kinds of trees and giving the bet- 

 ter kinds a chance, they increase the proportion of the bet- 

 ter kinds. By keeping the rate of growth even, they pro- 

 duce an even grade of lumber. By keeping up the stimula- 

 tive competition they hasten the maturity of the final crop; 

 or to put it in other words, they increase the output in a 

 given period of time. And, by the removal of unsightly 

 trees and increasing the thrift of the stand, they improve 

 the appearance of the woods. This last may be of consider- 

 able importance if the grove happens to be near the farm 

 house. 



161. The influence of thinning on growth is felt the 

 next growing season, when the trees begin to respond to the 

 increased amount of light. It is not making an improve- 

 ment that it will take a life-time to get the benefit of, as 

 many mistakenly suppose; it is making an improvement 

 which pays for itself and the benefit of which begins within 

 the year. 



