INTRODUCTION 35 



Classification of Silvicultural Systems 



In the following pages are enumerated the silvicultural 

 systems of most importance to the American forester. 

 These are essentially the same as those used in other 

 countries. In Europe, there are some systems represent- 

 ing modifications of those in this list, and adapted to 

 the special conditions obtaining abroad. Some of those 

 given prominence here are no longer considered of im- 

 portance abroad, but were formerly used when the forest 

 and market conditions were similar to those which are 

 now found in this country. As the markets improve, 

 the systems used in this country will, in their applica- 

 tion, be more and more like those of Europe. 



The list of systems differs in arrangement slightly 

 from that found in most text-books. The present 

 arrangement has been chosen as the one which has 

 seemed to the author to be most helpful to the ordinary 

 student, in view of the prevailing literature and the cur- 

 rent ideas and practise of forestry in this country. 



The silvicultural systems of chief importance to the 

 American forester may be grouped under the following 

 heads : 



I. Systems Depending on Reproduction by Seed. 



A. The Selection System. 



Applicable to stands in which trees of all age. are 

 represented. The old trees, scattered or in groups, are 

 selected for removal; the immature trees remain standing. 



