THE ART OF THE 8EC0ND GROWTH 



by primeval nature in a type which is considered by the sylvicul- 

 turist applicable to none but intense shade beareis. The explana- 

 tion lies in nature's long-lasting patience and in her failure to be 

 disheartened wlien failing in innumerable attempts. 



C. Advantages: 



I. The type protects the soil, and hence the waters, best of all. 



II. It protects the young growth from frost, drought, high 

 winds, insects, sleet and snow. 



III. It is particularly pleasing, from the aesthetic standpoint, 

 by the unusuallj^ large variety of the pictures proffered. 



IV. Since every acre of ground continuously retains its leaf 

 canopy, no sunshine, air and rain go to waste in a second growth 

 insufficiently covering the areas laid bare. At the same time, con- 

 tinuous retention of moisture in the soil allows of greater fertility; 

 lience the quantity of wood fibre annually produced is greater in 

 the selection type than in any other. 



V. Small danger from windfall amongst parent trees. 



VI. Small danger from fire, since the humus is kept moist con- 

 tinuously. On the other hand, a fire once broken out is extremely 

 hard to stop. 



D. Disadvantages: 



I. Logging operations are very scattering, and hence expensive. 

 The fall of individual, large trees amongst the multitude of 



their companions is very apt to inflict wounds upon them, through 

 which fungi and insects enter readily. 



II. A minute net work of permanent roads is required. 



III. The primeval woods, wherever they represent the selection 

 type, show a preponderance of mature and hypermature age classes. 

 Since the type does not allow of the removal of groups of trees at 

 all, and of the removal of individuals only where they are under- 

 laid by an advance growth, the owner of primeval woods adopting 

 this type is forced to bring heavy sacrifices. 



IV. It is very difficult to regenerate light demanders by this- 

 type, whei'e they stand mixed with shade bearers. 



Paragraph LVII. Regeneration of valuable 

 species from self-sown seed with, amongst 

 and into companions of a weedy character. 



It is a well-known fact that none but a few of the hundreds of 

 seedlings raised (artificially or naturally) by the forester have a, 

 chance to develop into poles, trees and veterans. 

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