CHAPTER II. REPRODUCTION 



110. If an oak is cut down, it sprouts again from the 

 stump. If a willow switch falls onto moist ground it takes 

 root and grows. If a pine seed falls on a favorable spot, it 

 germinates and starts a new tree. These ways that trees 

 have of reproducing themselves, — by sprouts, by cuttings, 

 and by seed, — may be used in securing a stand, the way se- 

 lected depending partly on the kind of tree and partly on the 

 purpose for which it is to be grown. 



Sedtion 1. Sprouts 



111. Of the kinds discussed in the last chapter, the 

 walnut, hickory, willow, cottonwood, beech, chestnut, oaks, 

 mulberry, tulip-tree, sweet gum, sycamore, cherry, locusts, 

 maple, basswood, black gum, persimmon, ash, and Catalpa 

 sprout from the stump; and stands of these kinds may be 

 reproduced simply by cutting down the old stands, making 

 the stumps as low as practicable. 



112. Sprouts grow rapidly for a few years, but the 

 growth falls off later on. They are more apt to die in the 

 top — to form stag-heads — than trees of seedhng origin; and 

 they are more subject to decay at the base. 



113. Reproduction by sprouts cannot be carried on in- 

 definitely without a thinning out of the stand; for some of 

 the stumps lose the power of sprouting vigorously. Unless 

 there is a sprinkling of seedlings from time to time to take 

 the place of the stumps that are lost, the stand deteriorates. 



114. Reproduction by sprouts does well enough for 

 some purposes, such as the production of stakes, posts, poles, 

 and firewood; but is not recommended where a good quality 

 of saw-timber is desired. And generally the production of 



