CHAJ^TER V 



THE COPPICE SYSTEMS 



Simple Coppice 



Under this system a stand is CLit clear, and reproduc- 

 tion takes place h\' sproLits from the stumps. It is ap- 

 phcable onh' to species which sprout vigorousK after 

 cutting;, such as chestnut, oal^, maple, hickorx, ash, tulip, 

 hasswood, locust, birch, and certain other hardwoods. It 

 IS not applicable to conifers, since, w ith a few exceptions, 

 these do not sprout from the stump at all. 



The simple coppice s\'stem has for man\ \ears been 

 used in a rouf^h, haphazard wav h\ the farmers of the 

 hardwood region of the Northeast. Conspicuous illustra- 

 tions of Its use are found in southern New Kngland, 

 southern New '*! ork, and northern New Jerse\'. For- 

 merl\- nian\' iron mines were t)perated in this region, and 

 consequentK' there was a demand for charcoal. The 

 hardwood forests were cleared off. The stands which 

 took their place were again cleared off as soon as large 

 enough for use, reproduction taking place b\- sprouts. 

 As the population increased, demand for fuel succeeded 

 that for charcoal, after the mines were closed, so that in 

 many sections it is still the custom to clear off the wood 

 at inter\'als of from 2'^ to HO \ears. 



17(1 



