SYLVICULTURE 



The longer the period during which the seedlings require shelter, 

 the larger is the area to be taken in hand at a seeding cfutting. 



c. Trees: It is wise to take the biggest trees first, as their re- 

 moval at u, later date' will result in great damage to the young 

 growth. 



If the forester is sure to be able to remove some more trees 

 after the lapse of one or two years, a light seeding cutting is usually 

 best. 



During the first two years of their lives the young seedlings 

 stand a great deal of shade, even those of light-demanding species, 

 on fair^soil. 



The degree of light which should fall on the ground after a 

 seeding cutting, depends on species, height of trees, form of trees 

 and locality. 



In the case of tender and slow-growing species, the cover should 

 be close. In the case of tall trees, slight interruptions of the leaf 

 canopy is sufiicient. 



On good soil, where weeds are to be dreaded, the cover should 

 be denser tnan under the reversed conditions. On a southern ex- 

 posure, the cover should be dense. Fir, Beech and Spruce require 

 a close stand of the mother trees on strong soil and at high elevations. 



Oak and Pine on alluvial sand of average quality should be 

 tapped heavily. 



d. The proportion of trees ief t and trees cut might be gauged by : 



1. The distance or space between the crowns. It is very difii- 

 cult to give any data as to the best distance of the crowns. The 

 form of the crowns is so irregular that it is impossible to ascertain 

 the best average distance. 



2. The number of stems which gives a good idea of the cover 

 overhead where yield tables are at hand, if the age and the locality 

 are known. 



3. The sectional area of the stems cut and of the stems re- 

 maining. 



4. The volume cut and the volimie remaining. 



e. Preparation of soil: Shade-bearing species maintaining the 

 porosity of the soil better than light-demanding species often allow 

 the forester to get along without any preparation of the soil. Under 

 light-demanding species, on the other hand, the hardening of the 

 soil at the time of seed cutting often necessitates the preparation of 

 the ground so that it may serve as a seed-bed. This preparation 

 may consist of: 



1. Removal of leaves, weeds or moss. 



Ill 



