SYSTEMS OF CLEAR-CUTTING 87 



period in which the soil is exposed to the action of the 

 elements. Even if the new stand is started at once after 

 cutting, a number of years must elapse before the canopy 

 is closed and the soil shaded. There may be a deteriora- 

 tion which influences, at least temporarily, the growth of 

 the stand. 



2. On slopes the exposure of the soil after the clear- 

 ing may result in more or less serious erosion. 



3. Grass, brush, and weeds spring up readily on 

 clearings to a greater extent than under the shade of 

 trees. This undesired vegetative cover interferes with 

 reproduction, and competes with the young growth. 



4. The young trees are exposed to drying by sun and 

 wind. 



5. In certain localities the young growth suffers from 

 frost. 



6. The young growth is apt to be more damaged by 

 insects than when it starts under shelter. 



The disadvantages of clear-cuttings are in direct ratio 

 to the size of the clearings. Many of the evils of clear- 

 cutting can be obviated by reducing the size of the area 

 clear-cut. Intensive forestry avoids large clearings; and 

 when a given stand of considerable size is to be removed 

 under an intensive management, it is cut in a series of 

 operations, each confined to only a portion of the stand. 



Methods of Reproduction 



Reproduction after clear-cutting may be accomplished 

 artificially by planting young trees, or by sowing seed; or 



