DEFINITIONS AND GENERALITIES 7 



In silvicultural operations, reproduction is chiefly from seed. 

 In some instances, however, it arises vegetatively, i.e., from stool 

 shoots, layers, suckers, and cuttings. Stool shoots are outgrowths 

 from the stump which arise from adventitious buds. Layers are 

 produced from branches or stool shoots bent to the ground and 

 partially covered with earth. When roots have developed at the 

 buried portion the shoots are separated from the parent tree and 

 become independent plants. Suckers arise from adventitious buds 

 on surface roots at a greater or less distance from the base of the 

 parent tree. Root cuttings are small sections of roots which, when 

 properly handled, develop adventitious buds and grow into inde- 

 pendent plants. Shoot cuttings, or slips, are small sections of the 

 shoot or branch which, when properly handled, develop roots and 

 form complete plants. 



All species reproduce more or less freely from seed. Con- 

 sequently it can always be relied upon in restocking. Conifers 

 with few exceptions do not reproduce vegetatively. When re- 

 production arises vegetatively, it is chiefly from stool shoots 

 which form a coppice forest, as illustrated in the typical mixed 

 hardwood forests of southern New England. Thus, chestnut, oak 

 and hickory reproduce freely as stool shoots. With these and 

 some additional species it is often expedient and more profitable 

 to grow them as coppice. In some instances, notably with black 

 locust and beech, root suckers may be used in restocking. When 

 handled with sufficient care, the slips from a large variety of 

 species can be made to strike root and grow into independent 

 plants. In silvicultural operations in the United States, how- 

 ever, this means of propagation is seldom practiced except with 

 cottonwood, sycamore, and willow. Dogwood, basswood, mul- 

 berry and many of the elms can be reproduced from layers. 



7. METHODS OF REPRODUCTION 



Forest reproduction may arise as follows: 



a. Naturally, i.e., from self-sown seed or otherwise through 

 natural agencies. In such cases the reproduction is distinguished 

 as natural. 



b. Artificially, i.e., from seeds or plants brought to the site by 

 man. In such cases the reproduction is distinguished as artificial. 



c. Through a combination of natural and artificial means. In 

 such cases the reproduction is distinguished as mixed. 



