NATIONAL FOREST RESOURCES 191 



wherever possible in openings. The piles are 

 adapted to the size of the opening in which they are 

 made and must be made sufficiently compact to 

 kindle easily and burn cleanly. The ideal pile is of 

 medium size, conical in shape, compact, from 5 to 7 

 feet in diameter at the base and from 4 to 5 feet 

 high. Brush piling and burning is an art which 

 can only be acquired after long experience. 



Brush is scattered whenever this method prom- 

 ises the best silvicultural results, unless there is 

 serious danger from fire on account of dense timber 

 and reproduction. The scattered brush is intended 

 to afford protection to seedlings from excessive 

 transpiration and from trampling by stock and to 

 protect the soil from erosion. 



Ground burning may be advisable where clean 

 cutting has been employed, to expose the loose min- 

 eral soil for better seed germination. When this 

 method is used the purchaser is required to clear a 

 fire line around the area to be burned and to furnish 

 adequate help to the Forest officer who supervises 

 the burning. 



Frequently brush is burned as the cutting pro- 

 gresses. Fires are started at convenient points and 

 the brush is thrown on them as it is lopped. 



