growth of white pine, a few black cherry, sassafras, etc. This mix- 

 ture of species is encouraged, both because it is easier to manage 

 (under farm conditions) and because it furnishes a variety of forest 

 products. 



Mixture of Species. — We have just said that the mixture of spe- 

 cies is easier to manage than any one species alone. This is prob- 

 ably untrue as a general principle applied to large forest areas, and 

 there are undoubtedly some exceptions even in the conduct of farm 

 woodlots. Nevertheless the growth, exploitation and reproduction 

 ot pure woods — that is areas covered with one species only — does 

 not seem to meet the conditions existing on the ordinary farm. 



If several species are to be mixed, however, it is obvious that 

 great care should be taken in making up or in controlling the mix- 

 ture. Some species are much more valuable than others and the 

 most valuable ones should be given the preference ; and some spe- 

 cies will thrive in company while others will not. With respect to 

 the former principle it is to be noted that ordinary farm manage- 

 ment (or mismanagement, in this case) often secures a result exactly 

 the opposite of that desired. The careless man cuts always the 

 trees best suited to his immediate needs, — that is the best trees in 

 the forest, — leaving the poorer ones to survive and perpetuate them- 

 selves. With respect to the second principle it may be remarked 

 that to make the best theoretical mixture of species requires a con- 

 siderable knowledge of forest species and technical forest principles. 

 This is a matter which space now forbids us to enter upon. 



Reproduction and succession. — One of the commonest shortcomings 

 in farm management of woodlots is that the trees are cut without 

 regard to their reproduction. Constant foresight should be had 

 to the future composition of the woodlot. The valuable species 

 should be encouraged. Pines and hemlocks should be allowed to 

 bear seed. Young oak seedlings should be favored. A good growth 

 of oak can sometimes be secured from sprouts coming up from 

 stumps (coppice reproduction). Chestnut reproduces itself vigor- 

 ously in this way, especially where young trees are cut close to the 

 ground. 



It will be noticed also that some species follow each other in a 

 detinite succession. On waste land, recently cut over areas, or 

 abandoned farm fields, birch and poplar are usually the first to 

 appear. As soon as these trees have formed a forest cover, have 



