LOBLOLLY OB NORTH CAROLINA PINE. 155 



version either into even-aged mixed stands or into group selection 

 stands. Either of these is desirable. In the event of conversion into 

 even-aged stands, the next cutting would he deferred until the young 

 age class was large enough to be cut, at which time all trees except select 

 seed trees would be cut. These seed trees, three to four to the acre, could 

 remain uncut until the next felling period, when, if well selected, they 

 would have attained large diameters and be extremely valuable. Large 

 areas of even-aged stands, however, do not admit of thinnings, under 

 present conditions, and consequently the best individual development 

 of the tree is not obtained. 



A group selection form can bo developed by felling the oldest age 

 class before the younger class reaches merchantable size, by the removal 

 of only a portion of the young growth, and cutting clean in groups as 

 much as possible in order to establish even-aged groups. In this manner 

 three or four age classes can be established, each occupying groups 

 which might consist of only a few trees or might be an acre in extent. 

 This is a very desirable form, since at the same time that the oldest age 

 class is felled thinnings and cleanings could be conducted in the younger 

 groups. This would enable the trees in each group to obtain the maxi- 

 mum growth, and at the same time by means of cleanings to eradicate 

 gradually the inferior species. The forest should be managed for the 

 production of large sized oak, poplar, ash, and pine. 



Since the soil conditions are not perfectly uniform in these swamps, 

 certain areas, often less than one-fourth of an acre in extent, are better 

 adapted to the growth of some species than of others. So far as is 

 economically possible an attempt should be made to localize the species 

 on the sites on which they make the heaviest yield, by leaving near-by 

 seed trees of these species. The present complex mixture should also be 

 converted into a more simple one by eliminating those species which are 

 of least value, such as water gum, red maple, and beech. (Plate I.) 

 The following species are the most valuable both silviculturally and for 

 lumber, and preference should be given them in forming mixed stands 

 on appropriate sites loblolly pine, swamp chestnut oak, yellow poplar, 

 ash, sweet gum, water oak, and elm. Except sweet gum and elm, these 

 species are all rather intolerant of shade and require plenty of light for 



seedling establishment. 



t 



(5) Loblolly Pine With Cypress in Deep Swamps. 



These stands of mixed cypress, pine, and black gum (Plate V, B) are 

 logged either from canals, from streams, or from logging railroads by 

 means of steam skidders and overhead cable ways. Since there is a 

 large breakage of small timber with this system of logging, it is recom- 

 mended that clear cutting be practiced and that seed trees be left both of 

 cypress and of pine. (Plate XXI.) The establishment of both species, 



