58 FIRST BOOK OF FORESTRY 



but to let it start as it would. The large tree is cut down 

 and removed ; this gives a small opening in which young 

 growth starts, the seed, of course, coming from the trees 

 left behind. In this way I open up new spots every year. 

 How old do I let them grow ? No particular age ; I take 

 them whenever it suits me ; but, on the whole, I like to 

 let the sound, thrifty trees (dominant trees) reach a good 

 size, say about eighteen inches in diameter or more, before 

 I cut them down. Just how much wood is growing per 

 acre on my land I could not tell you, nor do I know 

 whether I am cutting more or less than is growing here. 

 Of course if I cut more, I reduce my wood capital ; if I 

 cut less, I increase it. So far I have probably cut less 

 than the growth." 



We have here, then, a timber forest ; one in which the 

 trees usually start from seed and not as sprouts, where 

 all kinds of trees may be raised which the climate and 

 soil permit, and where the trees may be cut at any age. 

 The procedure is quite simple. Every year the farmer 

 goes over part of the woods and selects such trees as suit 

 his purpose and such trees as need cutting out to better 

 the woods. It is a process of selection, and the woods so 

 managed is a selection forest. 



Since it furnishes many different kinds and sizes, and 

 since it is so simple and natural a way of using and treat- 

 ing the woods, this selection method is well suited to many 

 forests. It is the best and often the only safe way for 



