u8 Studies in Forestry [CHAP. vi. 



tending of such mixed woods is much more difficult, and that 

 their proper formation and management require considerably 

 greater knowledge of sylviculture than is requisite for the 

 treatment of pure forests. 



In comparing the advantages and disadvantages of mixed 

 woods, relative to pure crops, the following matters are worthy 

 of consideration : 



Advantages 



1. A greater density of crop is obtainable. 



2. The soil is maintained in better condition as to pro- 

 ductive capacity than under many pure crops. 



3. A larger percentage of the outturn is available as timber 

 for the higher technical purposes, at any rate in mixed crops of 

 broad-leaved species of trees. 



4. Demands of varying nature for timber can more easily 

 be supplied. 



5. It is easier to modify or transform the crop at any one 

 time so as to meet the present or the probable future require- 

 ments of the market. 



6. Experience has shown that mixed crops are much less 

 exposed than pure forests to dangers from external causes 

 whether of organic or inorganic origin. 



7. Natural regeneration of mixed woods is on the whole 

 easier than with pure crops. 



8. By concentration of various species in one series of crops 

 the operations of tending, harvesting, &c., can be carried out 

 most economically. 



Disadvantages are summed up by Gayer in the following 

 words * : 



'It is easy to understand that mixed crops make higher demands on 

 the capacity of the sylviculturist, as it is much more troublesome and 

 difficult to give proper care and attention to each of several species in 



1 Waldbau, p. 216. 



