88 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



it may be accomplished by natural seeding from seed- 

 trees, properly located for the purpose. Very com- 

 monly, natural and artificial reproduction are both used; 

 a stand is reproduced as far as possible by natural 

 means, and the areas incompletely stocked are filled by 

 planting. 



Advantages of Artificial Reproduction. Contrasting 

 the two methods, artificial reproduction has the following 

 advantages : 



1. The new stand is established at once. Natural 

 reproduction often requires from 5 to 10 years to stock 

 an area with young trees. 



2. Artificial reproduction is more certain of success. 



3. The forester is able to establish the species best 

 adapted to the soil and best suited to the requirements 

 of the market. 



4. The trees may be given the right amount of grow- 

 ing space for their best development. Natural reproduc- 

 tion is often too dense or too open. 



5. For the reasons already given, the yield of high- 

 grade material is usually greater from artificial than from 

 natural reproduction. 



Advantages of Natural Reproduction. On the other 

 hand, natural reproduction has the following advantages: 



1. It is usually cheaper than artificial reproduction. 



2. With certain of the methods of natural reproduc- 

 tion there is a continuous partial shelter over the ground, 

 and consequently less danger of soil deterioration. 



3. Natural reproduction follows nature more closely, 



