THE SPRUCE REGION 



215 



importance because of its moderately fast growth and high yield, 

 and because the two principal species are of value: the poplar 

 for pulpwood and excelsior, the birch for spools and other uses. 



The fact that relatively small-sized trees are merchantable 

 and that the type can, therefore, be grown on a short rotation 

 adds to its value. 



6. Old Field. — Scattered around the borders of the region 

 and in the main valleys which penetrate the interior are occa- 



Fig. 74. — The old field spruce type, showing a young fully stocked stand. 



sional areas which were cleared and used for farms and pas- 

 tures. Many of these lands are now unused and have seeded 

 up to forest. 



Lands in this condition are classed in the old field type because 

 their forest growth differs widely from that found elsewhere. 

 The stands are usually even-aged like those of the birch and 

 poplar type, and contain trees which are usually exceedingly 

 limby. Some stands have already reached merchantable size, 

 but the majority contain young timber. 



A variety of species is found; red and white spruce, white 

 pine, balsam, white cedar (in northern Vermont), hard maple, 



