THE GROUP METHOD. 3C3 



follow generally all the rules laid down for the execution of similar 

 fellings in the uniform method, you must give full weight to the 

 action and reaction of neighbouring groups on each other. Ac- 

 cording to the nature and intensity of this mutual influence will 

 be the frequency and -severity of the fellings and the period over 

 which they should extend . 



AETICLE 4. 



Value and employment of the method. 



The principal characteristics of the group method are as 

 follows: — 



(1) The regeneration fellings are undertaken only over advance 

 growth or where Nature gives unmistakable promise of success by 

 herself preparing the way. 



(2) Every group is made, to the utmost of its capability, to 

 directly assist the vegetation and regeneration of the adjoining 

 groups. 



(3) Regeneration begins comparatively early, certainly earlier 

 than in the uniform method. 



(4) The leaf-canopy is constantly maintained as full as possible, 

 consistently with the unimpeded growth of the trees and the 

 seedhngs, so that the fertility of the soil is maintained at its 

 maximum and injurious weather influences are effectually kept 

 out. 



(5) The entry of each group upon its regeneration and its 

 passage from one stage of regeneration to the next is a gradual 

 process, admitting of no violent changes, such as necessarily occur 

 in the uniform method, in which every portion of a coupe is rigidly 

 subjected to one and the same operation. 



(6) The treatment of each group according to its own special 

 requirements, and the absence of uniformity of age or height, 

 except over very limited areas, are specially favourable to a mixed 

 growth and to the just apportionment to each species of the place 

 due to it, so that every valuable or useful species is given a chance 

 of attaining its widest distribution and largest dimensions. 



(7) As the groups undergoing one and the same class of rege- 

 neration fellings are necessarily detached from one another and 

 constitute severally only a small fraction of the aggregate area, 

 failures due to unavoidable accidents or bad work are locahsed, 

 and do less harm and are more easily repaired than if all the groups 

 formed one continuous area. 



(8) The method admits of considerable elasticity of execution, 



