DETAILS OF THE METHOD 29 



seeded species, depending principally upon gravity for dis- 

 semination, will not furnish sufficient seed from trees outside 

 the clearing. When seed in the duff or on the trees which 

 are to be cut is available the weight of the seed becomes 

 less important. 



After providing for an adequate dispersal of seed over the 

 clearing, favorable conditions for germination and early 

 growth of seedlings of the desired species must be established 

 and maintained for a few years. Estabhshment and main- 

 tenance of such conditions in many cases will require special 

 work undertaken for this specific purpose. 



The silvical habits of the species together with the condi- 

 tion of the site will indicate the character and amount of the 

 work needed. In general such treatment falls under one of 

 three heads : 



(a) Disposal of the slash left by the lumbermen. 



A variety of methods to accomplish this is available. 

 (See Chapter XIII.) As already stated piling and burning or 

 else broadcast burning are commonly used on clearings. The 

 brush may be silviculturally of advantage in conserving moist- 

 ure and protecting seedlings and in some cases may properly 

 be left untouched. 



(b) Removal of weeds, vines, shrubs and reproduction of 

 undesired species which threaten to prevent germination or 

 growth of seedlings.^' ^ A fire running over the whole area in 

 the latter part of the summer is the cheapest and most effec- 

 tive remedy for destroying the undesirable vegetation which 

 may be present before reproduction starts. 



Such burning may bring in a different kind of reproduction 

 from that sought. If this is likely cutting or grubbing out 

 of the objectionable vegetation may be necessary. This will 

 be more expensive than the use of fire. Where the shrubs and 

 reproduction of undesired species are too large to be cheaply 



