CHAPTER V. 



IMPROVEMENT CUTTINGS. 



In Chapter II the different methods of cutting with the pur- 

 pose of securing a new stand (reproduction cuttings) were 

 discussed. Such cuttings are needed in mature timber in order 

 that a young stand may replace the old one/ and occur only 

 during the latter part of the life of the stand. There is then a 

 long period extending from the time that the old stand is removed 

 and the new one established until the new stand has itself de- 

 veloped to maturity and become ready for a reproduction cutting. 



During this period, i.e., between reproduction cuttings, there 

 may be, and in a stand under management ordinarily are, several 

 cuttings, which are termed improvement cuttings. Their pur- 

 pose is to improve the existing stand in composition, rate of 

 growth, and value of the final product, without any attempt to 

 secure reproduction. 



Improvement cuttings are made in immature stands, ranging 

 from those only a year or two in age to stands nearly ready for 

 reproduction cuttings. 



Improvement cuttings may advantageously be divided into 

 four kinds, as follows, each of which will be separately discussed : 



1. Cleanings. 



2. Liberation cuttings. 



3. Thinnings. 



4. Damage cuttings. 



I . Cleanings. — As a stand begins to grow there are almost 

 sure to be certain trees present which, because they threaten to 

 injure better trees, are not wanted. These trees may be of an 

 inferior species or they may simply be poor individuals of some 



1 Artificial reproduction, i.e., planting or seeding is sometimes employed. 



