THE SYSTEM OF ROADS AND RIDES. 385 



by major rides. These should run m the dh'ectioii of the 

 cuttings, that is parallel to the prevailing wind direction, 

 whenever the configuration of the ground does not necessitate 

 deviations. 



In coppice and coppice with standards, the major rides 

 need not be more than (3 to 8 feet broad, unless they are used 

 as roads for the transport of the material. In high forest, 

 they must be much broader, because they are used as 

 severance cuttings, to induce the edge trees of adjoining 

 woods to become wind firm and accustomed to other climatic 

 influences. In the case of woods, consisting of species which 

 are easily thrown l)y wind, they should not be less than 

 30 feet broad, and if the major ride is also used as a fire line, 

 it may be still broader. 



The edges of the woods consisting of species easily 

 thrown by wind, if bordering on major rides, should be 

 strongly thinned from an early age onward, so as to produce 

 strongly developed trees. 



Major rides may be utilised for stacking wood. Their area 

 is entered as non-productive of trees; in many cases, however, 

 they produce grass. 



In young woods, the major rides should be cut at once, 

 while the edge trees are capable of producing a strong 

 root system ; in woods, which are over middle age, only 

 6 to 8 feet broad lines should be cleared in the first in- 

 stance, which are widened to the required breadth, when 

 the adjoining woods are cut over. 



b. Minor Rides. 



Minor rides should run more or less at right angles to 

 major rides ; they complete the delimitation of the compart- 

 ments. The annual coupes will, therefore, run parallel to the 

 minor rides and stand at right angles to the major rides. 

 Minor rides need not be more than 6 to 8 feet broad, unless 

 they are used as fire lines. 



