Organization work was initiated on the formation of a local^ committee 

 on co-ordinated research. It is hoped to form a sub-committee to the Forestry 

 Advisory Committee to the Research Council of Ontario. 



SOUTH CENTRAL BEGION 



The study of the silyical characteristics of the species occurring in 

 the tolerant hardwood stands was continued throughout 1$^ and 1955o Tliis program 

 was initiated at Swan Lake in 19^9 and originally applied to yellow birch. The 

 work now includes all the commercial species of this area* The following is a 

 brief outline of the work in progress. 



Swan Lake Program 



During 195^-55) the results of the experimental logging were studied in 

 detail and permanent sample plots were established under three sets of conditions t 



i) Uncut stands 

 ii) Normal light selection cut 

 lii) Experimental clear-cut patches. 



The measurements and observations indicate obvious benefits of the 

 experimental logging with respect to yellow birch germination^ survival y and height 

 growth* 



The work on direct site measurements was continued* Air and soil 

 temperatures, relative humidity, eind other factors are being recorded* 



The Tirork carried out towards the development of a birch seed orchard 

 was continued this year* Scions were collected during the winter logging operation 

 in 195^ and were grafted at Angus for planting at Swan Lake in the spring* 



In 1953) a special study of deer browse upon birch was initiated and the 

 program was enlarged this year* The survey has indicated an unexpected importance 

 of deer damage to seedlings, and to further the study a number of deer exclosures 

 were erected* Seedlings within the exclosures are now being measured and compared 

 with seedlings that suffer normal browse* 



The Laboratory of Forest Pathology completed the decay studies at Swan 

 Lake« This work was carried out in co-operation with the Regional Research 

 office and a report of the findings is expected this fall. 



Regional Program 



During October and November 195^, stand improvement programs were 

 carried out in the following townships t Conger, Sherborne, and UcClintock* The 



