I50 INTERMEDIATE CUTTINGS 



than the young stand while the latter remove trees of approxi- 

 mately the same age as those freed. The trees removed in a 

 liberation cutting are either individuals which were left stand- 

 ing when the previous stand was harvested, or (on open lands 

 which have been reforested) trees which started by natural 

 means on the area long before it was reforested. 



Trees which have developed with abundant room on open 

 lands are short and stocky in character with short clear length 

 and a wide spreading crown; in other words wolf trees. Those 

 left from previous cuttings while less spreading in habit are 

 likely to be cull trees which it was unprofitable to cut. Trees 

 of this character should not be confused with thrifty reserves 

 which may have been left in the reproduction cuttings to 

 grow through a second rotation. 



Liberation cuttings should be made as early in the life of 

 the young stand as possible. The shade and protection of 

 these large trees soon ceases to be beneficial. If left too long, 

 death of all the. overtopped young trees may result. Less 

 damage is caused to the young growth and less expense is 

 involved in the removal of the large trees if the operation is 

 accomplished when the young stand is only a foot or two in 

 height. Where the operation has been delayed until the young 

 trees are pressing with their crowns against the crowns of the 

 overtopping trees and bending aside for light the result of 

 the cutting is less satisfactory. (See Figs. 55 and 56.) In the 

 latter case it is possible that gaps large enough to require 

 filling by artificial means may be created by the competition of 

 the large trees and through damage inflicted in this removal. 



The ordinary practice in making liberation cuttings is to 

 fell the trees, and utilize whatever merchantable material 

 they contain. Care must be taken to cut up the tops and 

 place them in such position as not to interfere with the young 

 growth. 



