42 



In this so-called "nurse-tree" method the periods of cutting must re- 

 ceive consideration. A preparatory cut secures better seed production and 

 also a better seed bed and better light ; the next cut is made to secure full 

 seed production ; this is followed by two or more removal cuttings, as the 

 young crop demands ; until finally, in 3 to 20 years, the whole old crop is re- 

 moved. 



In Germany, over 50 per cent, of the reproduction is done by artificial 

 means, and this is found to be most satisfactory. After the crop is pro- 

 duced there is still a chance of improving it by accelerating its development. 

 It is possible to increase the production 2 to 3 fold by a proper use of the 

 axe. 



As in the natural methods the axe is the only tool which is used to se- 

 cure the regeneration, so is the axe the only tool which cultivates the young 

 crop, such cultivation consisting in the judicious removal of surplus trees 



GERMAN SPRUCE FOREST. 



