COMBINATIONS OF SEVERAL METHODS. 269 



In fact, in practical sj'lviculture such combinations are tlie 

 rule and not the exception. 



Of the combinations here indicated the following are of 

 special interest : — 



1. Combination of Artificial Formation and Natural 

 liefieneration by Seed. 



Natural regeneration assists artificial formation only in rare 

 cases, but the reverse constantly happens. Natural regenera- 

 tions by seed rarely are so complete that they do not require 

 artificial help, which can be afforded by sowing or planting, 

 generally the latter. There are always certain parts of the 

 regeneration area which, for one reason or another, do not 

 become stocked and have to be planted up. Then it frequently 

 happens that the ruling species shall be mixed with others 

 which must be brought in artificially ; or one of the species in 

 a mixed wood fails to produce seed for a considerable period, 

 while the other, having regenerated itself, demands the removal 

 of the mother trees. 



In many cases it can l)e foreseen that certain portions of an 

 area are unfit for natural regeneration ; these may be artificially 

 stocked at once, even before the natural regeneration of the 

 remainder has commenced. In other cases a part of the area 

 may have been deprived of the necessary shelter trees by 

 natural phenomena ; here artificial shelter- woods may have 

 to be planted. 



From the above remarks it will be seen that artificial and 

 natural formation may be started at the same time, or the one 

 may precede the other. In all such cases, blanks in existing 

 w^oods should be filled up with strong plants of a quick growing 

 species. 



2. Combination of Artificial Formation with Regeneration 

 by Stool Shoots or Suckers. 



This combination occurs constantly in coppice woods, where 

 stools, which have died or become diseased, are replaced 



