78 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



forester to fix the most desirable limit. In the supposed 

 case in the Adirondacks, all conditions show that 12 

 inches is the desirable average limit for spruce. This 

 corresponds to an average age limit of about 185 years. 

 The growth after cutting will be approximately 110 

 board feet per acre per annum, compared with about 70 

 feet if 10 inches had been chosen as the diameter limit. 



The other species are studied in the same way, and 

 an average diameter limit is determined which will meet 

 all requirements. 



If all species are merchantable, one makes selections 

 in accordance with the principles explained on page 56. 

 Trees above the established diameter limit would be cut, 

 except where needed for seed or some other special pur- 

 pose. Trees below the limit would be left standing, 

 except when they are defective, or interfere with better 

 individuals, or have reached their limit of growth, or are 

 of poor species likely to seed up openings, or for any 

 other reason would benefit the stand by their removal. 



Unfortunately, at the present time some species are not 

 merchantable. In the Adirondacks it is often the case 

 that only the spruce and the best individuals of hemlock, 

 of fir, and of some of the hardwoods are merchantable. 

 There is no market for the defective and crooked hard- 

 woods, or for those small trees whose removal would 

 benefit the stand. 



The forester is therefore in the position of having to 

 restrict his cuttings to the choicest trees in the forest. 

 Many poor species are left which will distribute seed in 



