120 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



or 40 per cent, of the tree's length. They should be 

 thoroughly sound, and as straight as can be found. In a 

 stand having trees from 6 to 16 inches in diameter, they 

 would usually have a diameter of from 9 to 12 inches. 

 Trees with large, spreading crowns are avoided, in order 

 that there may be as little interference with the new crop 

 as possible. 



Number of Standards. In determining the number 

 of reserves, it must be borne in mind that they must 

 stand far enough apart for a new stand to develop among 

 them. It is necessary, therefore, to consider the size of 

 the crowns of the reserves. The reserves are evenly 

 distributed, so far as this is compatible with the selection 

 of proper trees. Since the method is most commonly 

 applied with intolerant trees, the number of reserves 

 must be comparatively restricted. A good rule is to aim 

 to have an average interval between the crowns of fully 

 30 to 40 feet. This would usually mean about from 1 5 

 to 25 reserves per acre. 



Results. This system yields better reproduction 

 than the scattered seed-tree system. There are from 

 15 to 25 seed-trees, and though they are not so large 

 as those left under the other system, and each would 

 not yield so much seed, they are so much more numerous 

 and so much nearer together that the results are better. 

 The trees are near enough together to give a certain 

 amount of shade that is very beneficial in checking exces- 

 sive drying of the soil, and in reducing damage to the 

 seedlings by frost. The presence of 15 or 25 reserves 



