SYLVICULTURE 



At the beginning of operations, tlie first strip should be made 

 in sheltered localities so as to allow the forest adjoining leewards 

 to remain unharmed by storm. 



The strips proceed windwards gradually, the next being cleared 

 when regeneration in the preceding strip is fully secured. 



The danger from insects and fungi is small. The danger from 

 fire, to begin with, is great, although not as great as in large 

 clearings to which the wind and sun are freely admitted. Later on 

 the even-aged character of the strip will help to checK fires. 



Nothing prevents the owner from reinforcing the strip artificially 

 if he thinks fit. Healthy groups of advance growth, formed by 

 desirable species in the belt at the time of logging, might be 

 carefully husbanded. Natural regeneration will set in as well at 

 the side of the belt underneath the bordering mother trees. " Re- 

 generation runs into the old woods." This is a very desirable state 

 of aflfairs allowing, in the next belts, regeneration to start in 

 advance of cutting. (Bastardizing the cleared strip type with the 

 advance growth strip type.) 



B. Actual application: This type of regeneration is locally used 

 in the Tyrolian and Austrian Alps, for Spruce, Larch, Pine. The 

 form of the strips need not be rectangular. It depends on maturity 

 of growth, configuration of soil, danger from storm. The type 

 seems well adapted to present American conditions, requiring, of 

 course, local modifications or bastardations, governed by species and 

 market. Its applicability, however, rests on the existence of some 

 permanent chief arteries of transportation. 



At Biltmore, the type is applied, in modified form, for the 

 reproduction of Yellow Poplar and Yellow Pine. 



C. Advantages of the cleared strip type: 



I. Applicability to many species, to manj^ conditions and to 

 many localities. 



II. Concentration of logging operations and of sylvicultural help 

 possible. Cheap logging by donkey engines, chutes, snaking, etc. 



III. Many points of attack, at which the season's cut might 

 be obtained, are at the disposal of the forester, if he so desires. 

 Hence great freedom of action. 



IV. Comparative safety of the old woods from storm ; of the 

 j^oung growth from fire, drought, frost, insects, etc. 



D. Disadvantages of the cleared strip type: 



I. If the seeding of the strip is not effected soon after clear- 

 ing, the soil is baked by the sun, weeds are started and the 

 ecological conditions are aff"ected in a manner barring the success 

 of seed regeneration and necessitating artificial help. 

 10.'^ 



