206 SYLVICULTURE IN THE TROPICS it. n 



In localities where frosts are to be feared the lines 

 should not be cut so as to let the early sun strike the 

 seedlings, which might otherwise suffer from frost-bite. 

 The same rules as those for the preceding method also 

 apply here as regards making fellings against the wind 

 and from the upper parts of the slopes. 



It is often necessary to leave wind-belts not only on 

 the outer edge of the forest and at the extremities of 

 the lines, but along ridges and on spurs wherever the 

 lines cross them. 



It is evident that this method can only be used 

 where the whole out-turn of the coupe can be utilised. 

 Experiments have also shown that the lines are apt to 

 get overgrown with grass, weeds, or creepers, and that 

 it is generally only when a quick-growing crop can 

 establish itself that other more valuable species can 

 spring up under them. 



Cleared lines offer tempting grazing and browsing 

 grounds, close to cover, to wild animals, and are there- 

 fore not suited to the localities where these abound ; for 

 not only will seedlings and saplings be browsed down 

 but they will be trampled down, and will be barked by 

 deer when stripping the velvet from their antlers. 



(iii.) The well method consists of small clearings, up 

 to about one-fifth of a hectare (half an acre) in extent, 

 made here and there all over the forest. The advantage 

 of this method is that the area cleared is closely sur- 

 rounded by standing forest, and that seed has the best 

 chance possible of being distributed all over the soil, and 

 also that the young growth is sheltered on all sides. The 

 danger from grass and brushwood is therefore somewhat 

 reduced, as seedlings may spring up more quickly and 

 occupy the ground. On the other hand, the operations 

 are more costly, as they are scattered over a wide area. 

 It is a method which might suit certain species which 

 require light overhead and side shelter, such as e.g. 

 Berry a Ammonilla. 



Taken as a whole, clear-fellings are rarely suitable 

 for scientific regeneration of forests in the Tropics. The 



