CLEARING LAND IN THE LAKE STATES. 5 



METHODS OF CLEARING. 



All methods of clearing have to deal with the removal of the stumps y 

 brush, and second growth. In a few localities the second growth can 

 be disposed of to charcoal and wood-extract companies, to mining 

 companies (for use as ties and timbers), to wood-pulp mills, or for use 

 as fuel for enough to pay for its removal. It usually does not pay 7 

 however, to haul the wood more than 4 or 5 miles. In most cases the 

 second growth (fig. 2) has no value except as firewood for the use of the 

 settler, and its removal must be considered an expense of clearing. 



Fig. 2.— Typical logged-off land of the Lake region. 



It is cheapest to cut the brush as soon after logging as possible. It 

 should be cut close to the ground when in full leaf, heaped into com- 

 pact piles, and burned as soon as it will burn well. The best time for 

 burning is during the summer. On account of the danger of the fire 

 spreading at this time, the local or State fire warden should be con- 

 sulted and a permit obtained from him before any burning is at- 

 tempted. 



Some make a practice of harrowing or disking the ground imme- 

 diately after burning and then sowing timothy seed. The following 

 spring, as the frost leaves the ground, clover seed is added. Others 

 sow all the grass seed in the spring. Where possible it is a good plan 

 to leave the land in pasture or meadow several years before removing 

 any stumps. (Fig. ,3.) 



