THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 61 



reason artificial replacement may often be more profitable, 

 especially where there is reasonable safety against recurring 

 fire. 



A thing to be borne in mind is that white pine seems to 

 reach a healthier and better development when mixed with 

 a small proportion of other species, such as cedar, tamarack, 

 spruce, lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, so there is no object 

 in trying to produce an absolutely pure stand. Some authori- 

 ties think that 60 per cent of pine, with the rest helping to 

 prune it, is an ideal mixture. 



LODGEPOLE PINE (P. Murrayana) 



Present interest in private reproduction of this species 

 hardly warrants treating it at length in this publication, al- 

 though unquestionably it will eventually occupy a higher 

 place in the market than at present and its readiness to seize 

 burned land in many regions will make it a factor whether 

 desired or not. Where yellow pine will grow, the problem is 

 most likely to be to discourage lodgepole competition. 



In strictly lodgepole territory, however, it may be the only 

 promise of a new forest. Generally speaking, an even-aged 

 growth should be induced by clean cutting if the entire crop 

 can be utilized. Slash burning in such cases is desirable. 

 The chief difficulty is in providing seed supply, for either in- 

 dividual seed trees or small groups are almost certain to be 

 blown down. Experiments so far indicate that heavy strips 

 must be spared, chosen to afford the least present loss and 

 safeguarded by fire lines. 



In some lodgepole stands, especially where only certain 

 sizes are marketable, the cutting practically amounts to thin- 

 ning. Here obviously the effort should be to prevent over- 

 thinning and to remove debris with the least damage to the 

 remaining stand. Piling and burning is essential. 



