BEECH: SELECTION SYSTEM 



179 



height growth merits, and also any visibly suppressed trees 

 of any class. 



The following table, referable to the previous example, 

 shows the number of trees that should be removed at each 

 thinning and the number that should be left in order to 

 attain this ideal standard : 



TABLE FOR FELLINGS OF BEECH WOOD UNDER SELECTION 

 SYSTEM. Rotation, 105 years. Average soil and situation. 



* This number will obviously depend upon the efficiency of the previous 

 regeneration. 



THE GROUP SYSTEM. 



This system must only be attempted in the case of shade- 

 bearing trees which are also fairly storm proof ; for although 

 the young crop has a maximum amount of shelter, the old 

 trees exposed by the felling are liable to suffer unless indeed 

 the groups are very small. 



It is a most excellent system to pursue on poor dry soils, 

 in places not too much exposed ; for the young crop will 

 obtain a maximum amount of moisture and shelter combined, 

 as the side shade and protection will help to preserve humus, 

 and diminish evaporation of moisture from the surface of the 

 soil that would otherwise take place owing to direct heat and 

 air currents. 



On very dry soil the groups must be larger than would 

 be admissible on good land. 



