THE SHELTERWOOD SYSTEM 143 



The mature stands require a system of silviculture 

 which will remove the timber in a restricted period, and 

 replace it with a new even-aged stand. The selection 

 system is out of the question. Heretofore, it has been 

 the custom to clear-cut without reference to reproduction. 

 Many foresters and lumbermen agree that the best meth- 

 od is to remove the timber in two cuttings, separated 

 by a period of from 10 to 20 years. This is in real- 

 ity the shelterwood system, though a very primitive 

 example in comparison with the practise in Europe. It 

 is the best, and indeed often the only, method which can 

 be used under the given conditions. 



The advantages to the owner in using this system are 

 as follows: 



1. The forest is cut over rather rapidly, and the ma- 

 ture, deteriorating timber is utilized. 



2. The trees left standing are thrifty. They will 

 grow rapidly and add materially to the amount which 

 may be taken out at the second cut, thus prolonging the 

 supply on the tract. 



3. Since the trees left standing are the smaller diam- 

 eters, the average grade of the present cut is raised. 



4. The increase of stumpage, and particularly the in- 

 crease for the lower grades, should result in a much 

 greater return from the trees left standing than could be 

 realized from them if cut now. 



5. A good reproduction may be secured, which will 

 undoubtedly increase the value of the land for future 

 sale, at least that portion not designed for cultivation. 



