l8 REPRODUCTION METHODS 



A reproduction method then has for its object the estab- 

 lishment of reproduction and the removal of the old crop. 

 Its first purpose may possibly, though rarely be achieved as a 

 direct result of the cuttings. More probably the method of 

 cutting is only one of a number of factors some within the 

 control, some without the control of the silviculturist, but 

 each exerting their effect on environmental conditions. 



A reproduction method will include more than the making 

 of cuttings. Other work to insure reproduction may have 

 to be pursued. For example, the use of fire, protective 

 methods against insects and animals, cultural operations to 

 prepare the soil, conserve moisture and to lessen the compe- 

 tition with grass, herbs and shrubs, the use or exclusion of 

 grazing, and disposal of slash as well as other matters may 

 any one or all have a vital connection with the securing of a 

 complete reproduction. 



Unfortunately the science of silvics has not yet supplied either 

 the accurate detailed knowledge of the silvical requirements of 

 most commercial species nor has it determined with precision 

 the exact effects of the various factors, cutting, fire, grazing, 

 etc., upon the moisture, light and heat conditions of the site. 



Meanwhile the silviculturist must advance as he can, often 

 making mistakes, because he acts on information resting too 

 largely on an empirical basis. It is the ignorance and back- 

 wardness of silvics the science which forces silviculture to 

 grope in the dark as it carries on the art. 



Artificial Reproduction Compared with Natural Reproduc- 

 tion. — Establishment or renewal of a forest may be obtained 

 by (a) seed, (6) sprouts, from the stump, or from the roots 

 (root suckers), (c) cuttings and (d) layering. In the practice 

 of silviculture, layering is not employed, cuttings are used 

 infrequently and dependence is placed upon seed or sprouts 

 to insure reproduction. 



