112 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



It may be safe in some cases to leave trees affected 

 with rot. Sometimes those trees will be left anyhow, as 

 there is no practical method of disposing of them. If 

 the crowns are still thrifty, they will be good seed-trees. 

 It may be dangerous, however, to leave seed-trees affected 

 with diseases that are likely to spread. In some forests, 

 for example, a disease may have become so prevalent that 

 the majority of trees of certain species are infected. An 

 illustration is the diseased condition of the fir, hemlock, 

 and pine in some areas of northern Idaho. It is certain 

 that diseased seed-trees will be liable to infect the new 

 growth, through rapid propagation. Where possible, 

 therefore, one avoids leaving trees inflicted with a disease 

 which is likely to spread to the new crop. 



Distribution of the Seed-Trees. The design is to 

 have the trees distributed regularly over the cutting area. 

 The more regularly spaced the trees, the less the required 

 number. It is not always possible, however, to find a 

 suitable tree in the precise location most desired. It is 

 much more important to have suitable trees than a regu- 

 lar distribution. 



The Cutting. The whole stand is cut clear, except 

 for the reserved trees. The slashings are disposed of as 

 described in Chapter VII either piled and burned, or, 

 where the conditions demana it, cut up and scattered. 

 Any individuals or groups of small trees which have 

 started as advance growth are carefully protected in the 

 operation. 



Preparation of the Soil. It is essential that the 



