SYLVICULTURE 



creased by proper thinnings. In Oak bark coppice abroad the num- 

 ber of stumps per acre is about 2,000, reinforced by stump planting 

 at each cutting. The healthier the growth of the shoots, the better 

 are the tanning contents of the product. 



In America, at the present time, no difference is made in the 

 price of old, corky bark and of young, fleshy bark obtained from 

 shoots only five inches in diameter. 



B. Cork industry: 



The cork industry is conducted in Southern France, Spain, Portu- 

 gal and Northern Africa. F.or America, its introduction seems highly 

 remunerative. 



Experiments made in Georgia and in the Carolinas with planta- 

 tions of Cork Oak have produced very healthy trees; for reasons un- 

 known, however, the cork production was deficient. Possibly the 

 wrong species or the wrong variety was selected, or else mistakes 

 were made in choosing soil, exposure and silvicultural treatment. 



Mayr recommends experiments with Quercus variabilis for the 

 section of Germany productive of Castanea vesca. 



C. Forest pasture : 



Up to 1880, forest jjasture in Long-leaf Pine woods of the 

 South '(Cane-brakes) and in the hardwood forests of the Alleghanies 

 has occupied the rank of the most important forest industry. Nowa- 

 days, pasture is indicated on many a windswept ridge where the 

 growth of timber is stunted, whilst the atmospheric moisture allows 

 of a luxurious production of grass. Under nut-bearing trees, hog 

 pasture is highly remunerative. In " strong " coves, the growth of 

 weeds offers splendid forage for cattle. 



The more inaccessible the forest, the less is the value of the tree 

 growth. Here an industry is advisable which converts vegetable 

 fibre into animal matter. At the same time, the advantage gained 

 b^- pasturage during and previous to regeneration frequently reduces 

 the expense of regeneration. 



Whether the fencing of forest pastures is advisable depends on 

 circumstances. A two-string barbed wire fence costs $40 per mile. 



Goats, as extirpators of woody weeds (Corylus, Azalea) are fre- 

 quently useful on mountain pastures. 



Woody weeds damaging the pastures are kept in check by con- 

 tinuous mowing, especially if mowed in August. A limited use of 

 fire, too, improves the pasture. Forest pastures are invaluable as 

 fire lanes. 



Pasturage of cattle extends in Pisgah Forest from May 1st to 

 October loth. Sheep and hogs require feeding only in February. 



170 



