23t) NATTKAJ^ KK(;EXEUAT1(»N OF WOODS. 



extensive areas have to be deall with, such a constant atten- 

 tion to each wood is not always practicable, ami the niunber 

 of cuttings must be Hmited and distributed at intervals of 

 several years. The first cutting' in the final stage is generally 

 made when the young crop is two or three years old, the 

 others following at similar intervals according to require- 

 ments. The last cutting, or linal clearing, must not be 

 delayed too long, as a thin sprinkling of shelter trees may 

 do more harm than good. 



The (li>itribtttion of tJtc i/icUl over the several 3'ears and the 

 state of the market frequently interfere with the timely execu- 

 tion of the cuttings. Similarh', the occurrence of a seed year 

 may necessitate a suspension of cuttings in the areas stand- 

 ing in the final stage. These matters are not conducive to a 

 healthy development of the young crop, but the drawback is 

 to some extent compensated by the heavy increment laid on by 

 the shelter trees, which increase rapidly in size and value. 



The absolute d it ration of' tin- final stiKjc differs considerably 

 according to species tUid the special conditions of each locality. 

 In the case of some light-demanding hardy species, and in 

 favourable localities, it may not be longer than from three to 

 five years, while it may extend over 10, 15, and even more 

 years in the case of tender species, in unfavourable localities, 

 and where the object is to increase the size and value of the 

 shelter trees in their ro(miy i)osition. 



In executing the fellings in this stage special care must be 

 taken to avoid injuring the young growth. The trees raustl)e 

 lopped, if necessary, before felling, and they must be thrown 

 in that direction in which they are likely to do least damage. 

 Fellings should not be made during frost unless deep snow is 

 on the ground, as the young growth is then very brittle. The 

 material must be taken out of the wood by means which cause 

 a minimum of damage, and, if possible, before the next growing 

 season commences. 



If, after the reniuval of the last shelter trees, bianl^s of 

 ai)pi-ecialile extent exist, they must be ai-tilicially tilled up by 



