1 6 REPRODUCTION METHODS 



of the cuttings themselves, but due to favorable site condi- 

 tions. Theoretically these conditions should be created by 

 the cuttings. A reproduction method is successful in so far 

 as it accomplishes this and the variation in detail of appli- 

 cation is for the purpose of creating the proper site conditions. 



As the standard reproduction methods are studied it be- 

 comes apparent that one method grades into another and that 

 into still another and so on in a complete series embracing all 

 the possible ways of removing a mature stand by cutting. 

 In passing through this series every conceivable combination 

 of open and dense stands, of young and old trees, with the 

 consequent maximum range in desired effect upon basic site 

 factors possible to produce by cuttings can be obtained. 



Just as the sites in a given region range in a continuous 

 series from the least to the most productive but are separ- 

 ated arbitrarily into a few broad classes for use, so with 

 reproduction methods the gradations, from one method 

 through various modifications to another, are almost un- 

 noticed, when taken step by step, yet show extremes at the 

 limits of the series and are for purposes of practical use 

 classed into a few main divisions. Any possible combina- 

 tion of cuttings for harvesting a merchantable crop of timber 

 and replacing it by a new stand can be placed under one of 

 the six standard reproduction methods. 



Third, because in the irregular overmature virgin forest 

 now being cut in parts of this country, the style of cutting 

 is rather rigidly circumscribed by the condition of the timber, 

 logging possibilities and other economic conditions and con- 

 sists in removing all or a very large proportion of the mer- 

 chantable timber without thought of any particular repro- 

 duction method. 1 



Such reproduction as follows the cutting comes haphazard 

 and uncontrolled, but will receive protection. Such forests 



