CH. II 



CLEANINGS 237 



girdling has also the drawback of attracting innumer- 

 able insects and fungi which are hurtful to forest growth. 

 In such places the operation should be carried out lightly, 

 but at repeated intervals. A frequent repetition of the 

 operation is also required in such crops as are in the 

 fullest vigour of upward growth, and where, consequently, 

 the quicker-growing species quickly fill in all the gaps 

 and exclude light and air from the slower ones. 



The forest guards of the beat should be taught how 

 to carry out simple cleanings. They should be supplied 

 with light axes and with knives, with which not only 

 overhanging branches or saplings of inferior species can 

 be cut back, but also any creepers which they may pass 

 during their daily inspections. In some localities this 

 will not be sufficient, and the areas will then have to be 

 gone over under the direction of a responsible officer. 



Cleanings should be begun as early as possible when 

 regeneration fellings, according to one of the uniform 



O ' 



methods, are made ; it may be necessary to start the 

 cleanings before the after-fellings shall have been com- 

 pleted. In forests worked on the selection method 

 the cleanings will largely be made over advance-growth, 

 which must not be left under suppression for too long a 

 time, otherwise it will be apt to assume a hide-bound, 

 bushy appearance, and will not be likely to take a good 

 shape even after light has been let in. 



