72 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



question that with intolerant species the growth is the 

 greatest under one of the even-aged systems. With tol- 

 erant species and intensive management it is probable 

 that as great an increment can be secured by the selection 

 system as by any other. 



The development of the individual trees in a selection 

 stand is somewhat different than in an even-aged stand. 

 They are apt to have larger crowns and larger diameters 

 than those produced in even-aged stands. Because of the 

 larger crowns, there is less clear bole and the knots are 

 larger. The trees pass through periods of retarded and 

 full growth, and hence the grain of the wood is less even. 



Choice of the Selection System 



The selection system is used in forests where the mar- 

 ket conditions are such that only a limited class of trees 

 can be cut at a profit. It is used in those all-aged forests 

 in which the various sizes are represented, and the re- 

 moval of the medium trees would be less profitable than 

 saving them for growth and later cutting. It is an ex- 

 cellent method for the handling of a woodlot which is 

 culled frequently for fuel, poles, posts, rails, and occa- 

 sional sawlogs for home use and for sale. It is the ideal 

 system for forests on ridges and slopes, where it is im- 

 portant to keep a continuous forest cover to control run- 

 off or to prevent erosion. It is particularly applicable to 

 forests composed of tolerant species; it may, however, be 

 used successfully with intolerant species, provided that 

 in making cuttings the openings are made large enough 



