290 



FORESTRY INVESTIGATIONS U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



If we begin with ;i group of young growth already on the ground, our plan is to remove 

 gradually the old trees standing over them when no longer required for shade, and then to cut 

 away the adjoining old growth and enlarge the opening in successive narrow bands around the 

 young growth. When the first band has seeded itself satisfactorily, and the young growth has 

 come to require more light (which may take several years), we remove another band around it, and 

 thus the regeneration progresses. Where no young growth already exists, of course the first 

 opening is made to afford a start, and afterwards the enlargement follows as occasion requires. 



SIZE OF OPENINGS. 



The size of the openings and the rapidity with which they should be enlarged vary, of course, 

 with local conditions and the species which is to be favored, the light-needing species requiring 

 larger openings and quicker light additions than the shade enduring. It is difficult to give any 



Old timber. 



3d. 3d. l*t ruiiiuii. 3d. 



FIG. 40. Aji]H3arance of regeneration by group method. 



olil limber. 



rules, since the modifications due to local conditions are so manifold, requiring observation and 

 judgment. Caution in not opening too much at a time and too quickly may avoid failure iu 

 securing good stands. 



In general, the first openings may contain from one-fourth to one-half an acre or more, and 

 the gradual enlarging may progress by clearing bauds of a breadth not to exceed the height of the 

 surrounding timber. 



The time of the year when the cutting is to be done is naturally in winter, when the farmer 

 has the most leisure, and when the wood seasons best after felling and is also most readily moved. 

 Since it is expected that the seed fallen in the autumn will sprout in the spring, all wood should, 

 of course, be removed from the seed ground. 



The first opening, as well as the enlargement of the groups, should not be made at once, but 

 by gradual thinning out, if the soil is not in good condition to receive and germinate the seed and 

 it is impracticable to put it in such condition by artificial means hoeing or plowing. 



It is, of course, quite practicable nay, sometimes very desirable to prepare the soil for the 

 reception and germination of the seed. Where undesirable undergrowth has started it should be 



