362 FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 



wise the cedar and gray birch are apt to seed in again in the 

 opening, and retain longer their control of the site. 



Waiting for natural seeding of good hardwoods is much slower, 

 but cheaper in present outlay than planting. Where a hard- 

 wood stand is wanted this method secures the desired result, 

 but the quickest and largest returns will be secured by changing 

 the type by planting to white and red pine. 



It is not advisable to begin planting at every stage of de- 

 velopment of the old-field type. In all cases where the lands 

 are not fully stocked the openings should be planted at once. 

 Stands of cedar with the trees nearly touching can be planted, 

 as the cedar spreads out very slowly and the pine is encouraged 

 in height growth by its presence. Where the land is densely 

 covered with cedars or gray birch planting cannot be under- 

 taken without preliminary work. The inferior species must be 

 cut clear and the wood removed, and brush burned, before 

 planting begins. In order to lessen the expense of this opera- 

 tion it is usually best to delay the cutting until the cedar is 

 large enough for posts and the birch large enough to furnish 

 cordwood. Such a stand will pay the costs of cutting the wood, 

 and burning the brush, and leave a profit on the operation be- 

 sides. The young plantation will meet the competition of 

 sprouts from the gray birch stumps, and will need to be assisted 

 by cleanings. 



Logging Methods, Market Conditions, Industries, 

 Ownership of Woodlands. 



Logging Methods. — The logging is altogether on a small 

 scale, and on account of the accessibility of the forest does not 

 present great difficulties. The process is similar to that in the 

 two other New England woodlot regions. Cutting, skidding to 

 the mill, and hauling the product to market are often let out by 

 contract to farmers or other persons. Logging is carried on 

 throughout the year, though during the hottest months of the 

 summer there is relatively little done. Snow cannot be relied 

 on for logging work except in the northern portion of the region. 



