burned-over and sprout lands \] 



3. Burned-over Wood Lots and Forests. 



It seems to be instinctive for people to follow the custom of 

 burning over the wood lot or clearing as soon as the cord 

 wood is removed. No greater mistake can be made if the 

 land is again desired for tree growth. When the fire runs over 

 •such land it destroys the accumulation of leaf mould or humus 

 which is invaluable for retaining moisture and protecting seeds 

 .and seedlings. Fire leaves the land in a destitute condition. 

 When kept out even in rocky and extremely poor soils, decid- 

 uous or hardwood trees will begin to copse or spring up from 

 the old stumps, especially from the younger growth ; seeds 

 germinate and vegetation rapidly regains possession. Of 

 course if the land is to be cleared for cultivation that is another 

 matter. These burned-over wooded tracts are usually the 

 most stubborn kinds to again reclaim. If the soil is fairly 

 good it is a much easier matter than if ledgy and stony or light 

 .and sandy. The remedy is to never allow fire to run over such 

 lands, and where they already exist to plan to bring them into 

 forests as recommended in the two previous headings. A few 

 trees for seed and shade should be left scattered over the cut- 

 ting when it is made, if nature is to assist, but if it is reset 

 with seedlings at once this is not needed. 



4. Sprout or Brush Lands. 



Much of this land is found throughout New England. Its 

 value depends largely upon the nature of the soil. Where the 

 soil is good such lands soon grow into a forest of a* more or 

 less indifferent growth. There is usually a mixture of varie- 

 ties and they will vary much in their value at maturity. 



The value of such lands from a forestry standpoint is 

 •deduced largely from the nature and kind of growth predom- 

 inating. Where oaks, hickories (walnuts), maples, etc., are 

 growing, the soil is good ; but where the growth is largely 

 gray birch, poplar, etc., it is usually light and poor. Where 

 the latter contains a good seeding in of white pine, however, 

 it may be valuable. 



Just how to do something with these lands is a problem for 

 -us to settle independently in each case. There are various 



