SYLVICULTURE 55 



weeds is feared ; and also where tender species, like Beech 

 and Silver Fir, are being raised, or where considerable danger 

 from late frost exists. Under contrary circumstances the 

 cutting may be a heavy one especially when dealing with 

 Scots Pine and Oak. 



The seed-felling is usually carried out in a year in which 

 the parent trees are bearing seed plentifully. With species 

 that only rarely have a good seed year (e.g. Beech), it is im- 

 portant to take full advantage of each opportunity as it 

 presents itself. 



Where only occasional blades of grass are appearing, or 

 where there is a slight covering of moss with the humus 

 matter over the soil well decomposed, conditions may be said 

 to be at their best for natural regeneration. If the earlier 

 treatment of the wood has led to a different state of matters, 

 some soil preparation becomes necessary. Generally this 

 consists of hoeing strips about fifteen inches 

 wide, running in parallel lines at intervals 

 apart of three to four feet, in order to expose 

 the mineral soil, which is then able to act as 

 a seed-bed. For this work a broad hoe (Fig. 12) is 

 suitable. Harrows and the grubber or cultivator are 

 also frequently employed. 



After the seeding is well effected, the old crop is 

 gradually removed according to the demands of the 

 young trees for more light, and as the risk from frost 

 becomes lessened by the greater height and strength 

 of the plants. It is not advisable to be too precipitate 

 with these subsequent fellings ; hasty removal of the 

 shelter wood has too often injured and even ruined 

 promising young crops. What must also not be lost 

 sight of is the fact that the sheltering and seed-shed- 

 ding trees particularly if they be shade-bearers that 

 have long been confined in crowded woods are all 

 the time attaining a more profitable size by increasing FIG. 12 

 rapidly in girth. 



The appearance of the young trees gives the best indica- 



