MODIFICATIONS OF THE METHOD 71 



the period of regeneration is reached, groups of advance re- 

 production are ahready present. The groups may range from 

 a few trees to considerable areas of young growth and from 

 seedlings a few years old up to trees of sapling size. 



Where this condition exists the reproduction cuttings are 

 made, not uniformly over the area, but irregularly and en- 

 tirely with reference to the special requirements of each group 

 of advance reproduction. The first cutting made, which may 

 be called a primary cutting, combines removal cuttings (in- 

 cluding the final cutting), seed cuttings and preparatory cut- 

 tings all in the one operation. Where the advance reproduc- 

 tion is largest the cutting removes aU of the old trees and 

 is thus a final cutting. Where reproduction shows indica- 

 tions of too severe competition with the overwood, but is not 

 yet capable of being left without some protection, a removal 

 cutting, taking part of the old timber, is made. Where re- 

 production has not started as yet, but seedbed conditions 

 are suitable for its establishment, a seed cutting is executed. 

 Finally, in the denser portions of the stand if any cutting at 

 all is made, it will be in the nature of a preparatory cutting. 

 Ordinarily each group of advance reproduction serves as a 

 center from which the cutting radiates. Over the higher re- 

 production at the center of the group a final cutting is made. 

 In a belt surrounding this center, removal cuttings are made 

 decreasing in severity as the yoimger reproduction toward 

 the edges of the group is reached. In a belt encircling the 

 group of reproduction a seed cutting takes place, while beyond 

 this area a ring of forest receives a preparatory cutting. Be- 

 yond this ring the forest remains untouched. 



After a few years when conditions indicate its desirability, 

 another cutting called a secondary cutting is made of the 

 same character as the primary cutting, uncovering addi- 

 tional areas of reproduction and extending the removal, seed 



