ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS 



129 



moved) 



growth 



tion of 



nature, 



during 



felling, 



Europe 



, cuttings are needed at various times to increase the rate of 



and to improve the quality, growing conditions, and composi- 

 the forest. The forester attempts to correct the defects of 

 or rather to improve upon nature. All the cuttings made 



the period of the rotation, that is, between reproduction and 

 are termed, according to Hawley, intermediate cuttings. In 



these cuttings are made frequently and systematically through- 



FIG. 71. A stand of shortleaf pine, 'put into excellent condition for increased 



growth on one of the Soil Conservation Service projects in South Carolina. Such 



forests, on submarginal erosive lands, help hold soil in place. Photograph by 



Soil Conservation Service. 



out the rotation period. They have proved to be very advantageous 

 and profitable when economic conditions are favorable. Great skill is 

 required in making these various forms of cuttings. 



2. ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS 



Only under a few conditions found in the United States are inter- 

 mediate cuttings financially successful. This is because of unfavor- 

 able economic conditions and the relatively low prices obtained for 

 forest products. Although many of these measures are relatively inex- 

 pensive and are within the capacities of well-trained and skilful 



