SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS 



103 



name implies, reproduction is obtained under the shelter of a pro- 

 gressively cut stand. This shelter gradually becomes a hindrance to 

 the growth of the new forest. Under a simple form of application, 

 only two cuttings are required, whereas under an intensive form, 

 several cuttings up to 10 or more are made. Various forms, such as 

 the uniform method and the strip and group shelterwood methods, 

 are followed. 



This system is widely used in Europe, especially with oak, and 

 sometimes with spruce and pine. One of the best municipal forests 



FIG. 52. Illustrative of the group shelterwood system of naturally reproducing 

 forests. This is an intensive system of silviculture whereby reproduction is 

 secured under the over-wood through a gradual system of thinnings and reproduc- 

 tion cuttings. Photo by author in the Black Forest of Germany. The species 

 are Norway spruce and silver fir. 



in France, located at Epinal, is handled by this system. It is readily 

 applied to heavy-seeded species, such as oak, as well as to those of 

 light-weight seeds. An excellent market should be available for the 

 various cuttings. Logging is generally much more expensive because 

 so many fellings must be made on the same area in the frequent 

 thinnings. Reproduction is generally more complete and certain than 

 with other natural methods. It should not be used with trees easily 

 wind-thrown. Great technical skill is required for successful con- 

 summation because of the delicacy in marking the right trees at the 



