34 IMPORTANT TIMBER TREES 



the forest crown must not be overlooked. These two fea- 

 tures of the forest are intimately connected with each other. 

 The condition of the crown indicates the rapidity and vigor 

 of growth of the body of the tree from which the lumber 

 must be cut. If the trees are so great in number as to 

 cause the roots seriously to rob each other of food and 

 moisture, or if the forest floor does not completely protect 

 the root system with decaying leaves and the like, then the 

 growth of timber will be satisfactory in neither character 

 nor amount. If the crown is so open as to allow weeds and 

 grass to grow, that is evidence that there are not trees 

 enough. The shade should be so dense as to suppress what- 

 ever is not useful. If the trees are so close that there is not 

 enough food or moisture to maintain a vigorous growth, and 

 the tops of the trees show a diminution of annual height 

 growth, or some trees are being suppressed, then there are 

 too many and some should be removed. There should be an 

 equilibrium preserved between root and crown. The condi- 

 tion of the forest crown should be carefully observed, for 

 there the first indication of lack of vigor or of injury or 

 disease will manifest itself. While the twigs and leaves 

 may not be the most vulnerable, they are the first to give 

 the alarm. An insufficient supply of moisture to the roots 

 will in a short time surely show itself in the crown. 



In mature age, and when the trees increase in height 

 but slowly, as will be the case in time, for there is a 

 limit beyond which a tree will not grow in height, and that 

 limit is gradually reached as it approaches maturity, they 

 may stand so far apart and the crown be so open that the 

 sunshine can reach the forest floor and allow the grass to 

 grow. If so the grass should not be fed off by stock. Even 

 though the grass absorb moisture it does not rob the ground 

 of food, if allowed to remain and decay, while its removal 

 not only does that, but exposes the soil to more rapid eva- 

 poration, and even erosion. There should be shade and 

 covering for the forest floor and sunlight for the forest 

 crown. 



