COMPAKISON OF THE DIFFEEENT METHODS. 1C9 



ting, was composed of all and any kinds of trees at 

 haphazard, and was sometimes incomplete. 



The method of thinnings is adapted to all species, 

 and directs the action of natural forces to suit the 

 wants of mankind. It allows us to obtain the most 

 useful produce in the largest possible proportion ; it 

 permits us also to dispose of it conveniently as soon 

 as occasion occurs, and as soon as it can be realized. 



Its essential objects are speedy and regular natural 

 regeneration, the best proportion between the asso- 

 ciated species, and constant improvement of the pro- 

 duce. As much order as is expedient and possible 

 may be obtained by this method. 



It is thus a considerable step in advance, but it re- 

 quires much nicety in its application, and demands 

 constant attention and savoir-faire. Clumsily applied, 

 it may compromise the reproduction and the yield 

 in the highest degree. For example, in mixed silver 

 fir and beech, when a moderate operation on the 

 selection method would have ensured reproduction 

 and kept up the association, a primary cutting made 

 too open, cleanings neglected, or thinnings exagger- 

 ated, compromise the existence of the silver fir, some- 

 times even that of the forest itself, or in any case 

 diminish the usefulness and the quantity of the pro- 

 duce. So too, ill-conducted regeneration cuttings 

 may compel us to re-stock large areas artificially, 

 with a considerable loss of time and money. Thin- 

 nings exaggerated or carried out under fixed ideas 

 may hinder, under pretext of assisting, a regular 

 growth, or bring about a faulty distribution of asso- 

 ciated species, cause an indigenous tree entirely to 



