THE COMPARTMENT SYSTEM. 235 



V. LlOH' 



As regards light requirement, most species could dispense 

 with the shelter-wood altogether were it not required on 

 account of other considerations. In the case of some species 

 a free admission of light is absolutely necessary shortly after 

 the new crop has sprung up ; others will bear a certain amount 

 of shade, but only for a limited period. 



vi. Geneually. 



From wdiat has been said it will be seen that the forester 

 has to choose between various evils when deciding on the 

 proper density of the shelter-wood in the final stage ; he must 

 ascertain which of these contradictory demands are the 

 strongest, and act accordingly. On the whole he will do 

 well to follow a middle course. 



Although, under these circumstances, it is im.possible to give 

 a definite rule for the number and strength of the cuttings in 

 the final stage, it may be useful to give the following direc- 

 tions: a lighter shelter-wood is indicated on north and east 

 aspects, in localities with a short vegetating season such as 

 high altitudes, localities not exposed to cold winds or to rapid 

 weed gL'owth ; a darker shelter-wood is desirable in frost 

 localities, on south and west aspects, and where a luxuriant 

 weed growth may be expected. 



Above all, the strength of the cuttings in the final stage 

 must be governed by the rate at which the young crop 

 develops. Where it is coming on well, showing strong 

 shoots with fresh green foliage and full buds, the shelter- 

 wood is sure to possess the right degree of density ; if, on the 

 other hand, the new crop consists of . weak thread-like plants 

 with feeble crowns, pale foliage, and thin buds, the shelter- 

 wood requires thinning. 



As regards the severitij and iiiunber of mttiiigs, it may be 

 given as a general rule that a gradual change from a dense to 

 a thin shelter-wood is the best mode of procedure. Where 



