CHAPTER V 



THE COPPICE SYSTEMS 



Simple Coppice 



UNDER this system a stand is cut clear, and reproduc- 

 tion takes place by sprouts from the stumps. It is ap- 

 plicable only to species which sprout vigorously after 

 cutting, such as chestnut, oak, maple, hickory, ash, tulip, 

 basswood, locust, birch, and certain other hardwoods. It 

 is not applicable to conifers, since, with a few exceptions, 

 these do not sprout from the stump at all. 



The simple coppice system has for many years been 

 used in a rough, haphazard way by the farmers of the 

 hardwood region of the Northeast. Conspicuous illustra- 

 tions of its use are found in southern New England, 

 southern New York, and northern New Jersey. For- 

 merly many iron mines were operated in this region, and 

 consequently there was a demand for charcoal. The 

 hardwood forests were cleared off. The stands which 

 took their place were again cleared off as soon as large 

 enough for use, reproduction taking place by sprouts. 

 As the population increased, demand for fuel succeeded 

 that for charcoal, after the mines were closed, so that in 

 many sections it is still the custom to clear off the wood 

 at intervals of from 25 to 40 years. 



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