CHAPTER VI 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE FOREST 



Improvement Cuttings 



Under this head are comprised those cuttings which 

 are made in immature stands to improve their character 

 and growth. Their specific objects are: 



1. To improve the composition of the stand. 



2. To improve the form of the trees. 



3. To increase the rate of growth of the trees. 



4. To increase the yield and value of the final 

 product. 



Improvement cuttings are thinnings designed to give 

 to the best trees the amount of light and growing space 

 most favorable for their best development. Their pur- 

 pose is entirely to benefit the existing stand. As far as 

 possible, the openings are made small, with the expecta- 

 tion that in a few years the crowns of the surrounding 

 trees will close together. They thus differ from repro- 

 duction cuttings, in which permanent openings in the 

 canopy are made with the Intention of establishing re- 

 production. 



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