320 



FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 



The shelterwood system has some advantages for handling 

 white pine over the clear-cutting methods of natural reproduc- 

 tion. For one thing a shelter is afforded the reproduction dur- 

 ing the first few years, and there is less danger of the soil running 

 wild to grasses, herbs, etc., and becoming unfavorable for the 

 germination of pine seed. Even when this system is used it is 



By permission of the U. S. Fores! Service. 



Fig. 117. — A 50 year old stand of white pine before the cutting shown in 

 the next picture. 



advisable to make the cuttings in a pine seed year, as otherwise 

 undesirable species such as soft maple may reproduce. 



In applying the shelterwood system the removal of the stand 

 in two cuttings is recommended. The first takes out forty to 

 sixty per cent of the volume, and the second, a final cutting, re- 

 moves the remainder when reproduction is well established. 

 Should the reproduction be patchy it may be best to make two, 

 instead of one, final cuttings. 



