SYSTEMS OF CLEAR- CUTTING 89 



and is apt to produce a mixed forest, whereas the ten- 

 dency of artificial reproduction is toward pure stands, 

 which are less desirable over large areas than the former. 



4. Natural reproduction is peculiarly adapted to rough 

 conditions, like those in this country, where intensive 

 methods are often not practicable. 



Artificial reproduction is necessary when it is desired 

 to establish a species different from any that occurs nat- 

 urally on the ground. It is necessary where seed-trees 

 are not present in proper location. 



Artificial reproduction requires large initial outlay; 

 often, therefore, it is impossible, even when it would ob- 

 viously be the more profitable in the long run. 



In general, natural reproduction will, for the present, 

 be used chiefly in operating forests on a large scale in 

 this country. 



Clear-Cutting with Artificial Reproduction 



Under this method a specified stand is cut clear, and 

 the area is restocked by planting or by artificial seeding. 

 Ordinarily the planting or seeding is done after the cut- 

 ting, and not in advance of it. The logs and other mate- 

 rial are removed as soon as possible, and the slash is dis- 

 posed of by burning or otherwise. The ground is then 

 clear, and may be restocked by setting out young trees or 

 by sowing seed. 



It is desirable to start the new stand as soon as possi- 

 ble, in order that there may be no loss of growth, and 

 also in order that the new trees may gain sufficient head- 



