218 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



trees per acre as possible, and hence a maximum total 

 yield, no more space is given than is necessary to accom- 

 plish this purpose. The accretion cutting is made be- 

 tween the 50th and the 80th years. 



The purpose of the underplanting is to protect the 

 soil from deterioration. The rank growth of grass, 

 weeds, blueberry-bushes, and the like, is a detriment 

 rather than a benefit. An understory of a favorable 

 tree species conserves and improves the quality of the 

 soil. 



Underplanting is most needed with intolerant spe- 

 cies, which usually have a light foliage. The understory 

 must be composed of a species capable of living in the 

 shade of the old trees. Under a light canopy of Scotch 

 pine, ash, or larch, trees of moderate tolerance can be 

 planted. Under species with dense foliage, tolerant 

 species must be used. Naturally, the species must be 

 one adapted to the given site. In Europe, beech is re- 

 garded as the best tree for underplanting. Other species 

 used are hornbeam, linden, maple, and sometimes toler- 

 ant conifers. 



The function of the underwood is soil protection. It 

 is not expected to produce a merchantable crop, except 

 when- the two-storied system is used. The cuttings in 

 the overwood are made without regard to it. The aim 

 is merely to keep it alive, regardless of its form. Crip- 

 pled, spreading trees may make as good cover as straight 

 ones. 



The underplanting is purely a cultural operation. 



