DETAILS OF THE METHOD 63 



This leaves principally dominant and co-dominant trees. Or- 

 dinarily it is impossible to remove all the trees in these five 

 classes without taking out a greater proportion of the stand 

 than is warranted for accomplishing the purpose of the pre- 

 paratory cuttings. Hence some of them must be left until 

 later cuttings. The trees left should be so spaced as to pro- 

 vide an 'even crown cover over the area with spaces not more 

 than three to five feet in width as a maximum between the 

 edges of the crowns. In volume from 20 to 30 per cent of the 

 stand should be cut in the preparatory cuttings. 

 ^ Seed Cuttings. — The purpose of the seed cuttings (of which 

 there should be only one) is to establis h repro duction. The 

 seedbed has been brought into excellent condition for the start 

 of young seedlings. A seed year is awaited and when it arrives 

 a cutting is made preferabl y just after the se ed has matured.. 

 The logging serves to work the seed thoroughly into the thin 

 humus and mineral soil. It finds here an ideal germinating 

 bed with an abundance of light and heat made available as 

 a consequence of the reduction in the forest cover. 



If a perfect seedbed has been created and a plentiful supply 

 of seed deposited upon it and mixed with the soil then a com- 

 plete reproduction may be secured. Unfortunately such a 

 combination is difficult of attainment. If it is apparent that 

 the preparatory cuttings have failed to create the proper 

 seedbed conditions they may be produced artificially. Such 

 methods as preparing seed spots at close intervals, plowing 

 furrows under the trees, or turning in hogs to work up the soil 

 and humus may be employed. For further details in reference 

 to treatment of the site see under Clearcutting, page 30. 



Rarely is it necessary with the shelterwood system to re- 

 sort to artificial restocking of failed places. Action of this 

 sort would be taken only as a last resort when it was seen 

 that natural seeding had proved a failure. 



