228 FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 



spruce and balsam seedlings stocking the ground thoroughly at 

 the end of five years. The cutting in this particular instance 

 was tried as a method of thinning old-field spruce stands to se- 

 cure increased growth of the remaining trees. So far no increased 

 growth has resulted, and, as a method of thinning, therefore, the 

 system is apt to be a failure, as spruce of this character fails to 

 respond appreciably to the increased light. This may reason- 

 ably be explained as due to the severe crowding which the indi- 

 vidual trees in the stand underwent for a long period of years 

 previous to the thinning. If the strip cutting is made compara- 

 tively early, — before the thirtieth year, and before the trees 

 have suffered serious crowding, — increased growth might be 

 expected to follow. 



The age of this stand was fifty-two years. Thirty-eight per 

 cent of the volume was removed in the first cutting, or thirteen 

 stacked cords of pulpwood per acre. This was disposed of at a 

 net profit of about <S2.oo per cord, making a handsome return per 

 acre on the operation. 



Birch and Poplar. — The treatment advisable for this type 

 depends on whether the object is to keep the tyjDc as it is or to 

 transform it to one of the four permanent types. It has been 

 already stated that where coniferous seed trees are in the vicinity 

 the stands of birch and poplar become stocked with coniferous 

 seedlings, which develop and finally dominate the type. If 

 birch and poplar are considered more profitable than spruce and 

 balsam, an effort should be made to maintain the temporary 

 type. Otherwise the change into one of the spruce types would 

 be preferable. 



It should be wholly a financial question and conifers or poplar 

 and birch favored accordingly. In case spruce and balsam are to 

 be favored, the birch and poplar should be cut clear, taking care 

 to spare all coniferous seedlings which may have started. The 

 mature conifers should be left uncut to serve as seed trees, to 

 seed up such areas as are still unstocked. Such treatment will 

 often turn the type at once into a good coniferous stand. 



Where it is desired to have birch and poplar reproduce, a clear- 



