76 



FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 



nearly pure pine which can be secured by removing the over- 

 topping birch will be so valuable as to more than pay the expense 

 of the cleaning. 



The cost depends so largely upon the amount and size of the 

 material to be removed that it may range from a few cents to 

 several dollars per acre. An expenditure of more than $3 per 

 acre for a cleaning is usually unnecessary and the work can often 

 be done for 25 to 50 cents per acre. 



As a general rule cleanings should be made as needed in all 

 plantations to protect the planted species, and wherever there 

 is a wide difference in value between the species being injured 

 and the one injuring it. A cleaning is an intensive forestry 

 operation and hence in many places is impracticable. 



By permission ,/ //;, < oinwrlicul Stale Forester. 



Fig. 25. — The spreading hardwoods should be taken out to liberate the seedling growth. 



2. Liberation Cuttings. — Liberation cuttings are used in 

 young stands from a year or two old to those of middle age. 

 The operation consists in removing older trees which, by their 



