UKITISII FOKKST TREES 181 



taken advantage of, the softwoods should only be eliminated 

 very gradually where they predominate, in order that the 

 beech poles, which will usually be found to have been drawn 

 up too quickly, may have time to thicken so as to support their 

 own weight, in place of being bent down. Where, therefore, 

 they are to be found self-sown in moist patches, the best 

 individuals should be selected here and there, and reserved 

 for growth only to such an extent that their removal about 

 the fortieth to fiftieth year will not cause any serious break in 

 the leaf-canopy. Where no adventitious seedling growth or 

 flush of root-suckers is available, planting will generally be 

 preferred to sowing, as affording a much better means of 

 obtaining what seems the most advantageous disposition of 

 the softwoods throughout the ruling species. 



Natural Reproduction of Beech Forests under parent 

 standards forms the rule with this species, as the seedling 

 growth demands, like the silver fir, protection against frost 

 and insolation during the first two or three years of its 

 existence. As already mentioned, three classes of fellings in 

 the mature crop may be distinguished, viz., (i) the pre- 

 paratory felling, (2) the reproductive or seed-felling, (3) 

 fellings to strengthen the young growth, and to effect the 

 final clearance of the parent standards. The first two 

 fellings are made previous to regeneration, whilst the latter 

 is best carried out as gradually as local circumstances and 

 the provisions of the working-plan permit. 



The preparatory felling is made in order to stimulate the 

 parent standards, through greater enjoyment of light and air, 

 to speedy and increased production of seed, and at the same 

 time to accustom them gradually to the isolation they must 

 ultimately have before the final clearance, as well. is to harden 

 them against wind and scorching from sun-burn.- The Ust 

 opportunity is also at this time given to remove all the 

 other species growing in admixture with the beech, so as to 



