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CHAPTER Y. 



CHOICE OF METHOD OF FORMATION. 



The choice of method depends on numerous considerations, 

 such as the sylvicultural system, species, soil, climate, external 

 dangers, labour, cost, etc. To attempt a detailed exposition 

 of these matters in reference to the several methods would 

 not lead to any practical result, since, after all, the choice 

 depends on the local circumstances of each case. A few 

 remarks regarding the main groups of methods may, however, 

 not be out of place. These main groups are : — 



(1.) Direct sowing. 



(2.) Planting. 



(3.) Natural regeneration by seed. 



(4.) Natural regeneration by shoots and suckers. 



Of these the last-mentioned method refers almost entirely 

 to coppice woods worked under a short rotation ; it is not 

 employed where woods are treated under a high rotation, 

 because in very rare instances only do coppice shoots reach 

 the same size as seedling trees. 



The questions which interest the sylviculturist most are — 



(1.) "Whether to sow direct, or plant on cleared areas. 



(2.) Whether to regenerate existing woods artificially, or 



naturally by seed. 

 (3.) Whether or not combinations best meet the objects of 



management. 



These three questions, then, will be shortly discussed in 

 the following pages. 



