EXAMPLE OF A CONVERSION. 177 



therefore, is the only method to be adopted. As 

 reserves alone are capable of effecting this, it follows 

 that immediate regeneration ought to be eschewed, 

 unless the reserves are very numerous, and cover at 

 least two-thirds of the surface of the ground. 



II. Experience has clearly proved that it is 

 absolutely impossible to turn to any account seed- 

 lings mixed with numerous coppice shoots, when 

 the area operated on is large. This is the greatest 

 difficulty of conversions. The only way to avoid it 

 is not to begin regeneration before the underwood 

 is too old to be able to produce strong and numerous 

 shoots (fifty years at the least). The observance of 

 this and the preceding conditions is of the utmost 

 necessity. 



III. As the underwood of a coppice is derived 

 from stools and is often composed of inferior species, 

 it is liable to die early. There is frequently no 

 advantage in allowing such shoots to grow beyond 

 the point of time when the stools lose their vitality. 



IV. This last consideration and the necessity of 

 not depriving the proprietor of nearly the totality 

 of his income, lead to the gradual and successive 

 conversion of the different parts of a working circle 

 and the temporary continuance of ooppice in those 

 whose turn comes last. 



V. If the coppice to be converted into high forest 

 is simple, then it is better to begin by turning it 

 into coppice with standards and at the same time 

 lengthening the rotation. 



VI. Similarly, if the coppice to be converted is 

 poor in reserves, it is better to continue the old 



H 



