THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 45 



Conditions Vary Methods. 



Between conditions clearly suggesting one course or an- 

 other, all gradations will present themselves and no written 

 rule can be given for determining the dividing line. Much 

 depends upon future relative values of species, upon which 

 tjie owner will have his own opinion. More depends upon the 

 character of existing young growth and consequent adapta- 

 bility to changed conditions after logging. Even a very thick 

 stand of young hemlock is unlikely to produce much if the 

 overwood has been very dense, for much of it may be so old 

 and stunted by shade that sudden advent of strong light will 

 result merely in distorted worthless branch growth or in 

 killing it outright. Occasional vigorous young trees just 

 under present merchantable size are of doubtful value because 

 they are likely to blow down. The most promising class of 

 undergrowth found in fir forests of the Northwest is where 

 there has been sufficient light to produce a fairly thick stand 

 of young hemlock or cedar from five to fifty feet high. 



If the undergrowth from which any second crop may de- 

 velop is insufficient to be worth much consideration, and 

 reseeding must be depended upon entirely, there may still be 

 a question as to species. If ample natural supply of fir seed 

 can be expected, slash burning is" indicated. But if not and 

 the owner is not prepared to undertake the expense of arti- 

 ficial seeding, while at the same time there is a promising 

 natural hemlock supply, burning has no object except the re- 

 duction of future fire risk. It may even retard hemlock re- 

 production, both by destroying part of the seed supply and by 

 encouraging the growth of brakes on the area. The question 

 here is a really financial one. The cost of planting fir under 

 these conditions may be more than reimbursed by the re- 

 sultant more valuable and rapid growing crop. The owner 

 must do his own conjecturing as to future comparative values 

 of the species. 



So far we have discussed slash burning only in its sylvi- 



