THE COPPICE HYSTEM. 97 



enjoyment of light, especially during the more advanced 

 period of life. There can, however, be no doubt, that less 

 clean and shorter boles are produced under the selection than 

 under the compartment system, though the former is specially 

 suited for the production of large sized timber, as each tree 

 can be left in the forest until it has reached the desired 

 dimensions. 



d. Effect upon the Factors of the Localitij. 



The system secures an almost absolutely equal degree of 

 protection of the soil throughout the rotation, more especially 

 as regards the preservation of an even degree of moisture, 

 which must act beneficially upon production. Protection is 

 given not only from above, but the uniform mixture of old 

 and young trees also secures lateral shelter. 



On sloping ground rain water is more effectively retained 

 under this than under any other system ; avalanches also, 

 the carrying away of fine earth, landslips, etc., are prevented ; 

 hence protection forests situated in mountains are usually 

 worked under this system. 



5. The Coppice System, 

 a. Orkjin and Gharctcter. 



Most broad-leaved species have the faculty of reproducing 

 themselves by shoots, which spring either from the roots, 

 stool, or stem. After severing the whole, or part, of the 

 stem above ground, the roots and stool develop shoots, which 

 grow up into poles, and, under favourable conditions, into 

 trees, thus producing a new generation. This process of 

 regeneration can, as a rule, be repeated as long as the stool 

 and roots continue to live. 



When the trees are cut over close to the ground, simple or 

 ordinary coppice is produced, the shoots starting from a point 

 which is close to, or in, the ground. Generally, several shoots 

 spring from the same stool, and these stand in clumps, and 



s. U 



