WHAT FORESTRY IS AND WHAT IT DOES 185 



with the composition of the forest and the nature and 

 habits of the individual trees. By composition, or type 

 of forest, is meant the proportion in which the various 

 species of trees are grouped; i.e., whether a certain section 

 of woodland is composed of one species or of a mixture of 

 species. By habit is meant the requirements of the trees 

 for light, water and food. 



FIG. 125. Mountain Slopes in North Carolina Well Covered 

 with Forests. 



Some trees will grow in deep shade while others will 

 demand the open. In the matter of water and food, the 

 individual requirements of different trees are equally 

 marked. 



The natural rapidity of growth of different species is 

 also important, and one caring for a forest must know 

 this rate of growth, not only as to the individual species, 

 but also with respect to the forest as a whole. If he knows 



