s^•ST^.Ms OF ci. ear-cutting 107 



the aim to select, when possible, stands containing thrifty 

 trees, which are likely to live for from 25 to 50 years. 

 In the cutting it is desired, as far as possible, to remove 

 the declining trees and those attacked bv fungus. 



ChaRxACTERIzation of the Svstem. — The svstem just 

 described is one of temporary expediency. As a measure 

 of silviculture it has serious defects, and it should be 

 used only where necessarw The chief defects are as 

 follows: 



1. A considerable amount of excellent timber is 

 sacrificed to reproduction, with a loss in the plan of 

 close utilization. 



2. While reproduction will occur, it is problematical 

 whether it will be in the amount and of the form desired. 

 Thus, in the example cited another species might seize 

 on areas planned for white pine. The area cleared is so 

 large that in man\' cases the density will not reach the 

 degree hoped for. 



.^. The system necessitates the clearing in one place 

 of a ver\' extensive area. An ordinary operation would 

 cover two or three sections — from 70 to 8 5 per cent, 

 clear. Such a clearing is not desirable. 



Reserving Scattered Seed-Trees. — This system in- 

 volves the removal of all trees in a merchantable stand, 

 except a small ninnber left scattered on the clearmg for 

 the distribution of seed. The essential cTiaracteristics 

 which distinguish the method are: 



1. There are onl\' a ver\' limited number of trees. 



2. The trees are isolateci aiici scattered. 



