FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 173 



TI)e forest. 



The forest on Township 40, in common with that of the larger part of 

 the Adirondack plateau, is a mixed forest of broadleaf (hardwood) and 

 coniferous (softwood) trees, the latter predominating. The principal 

 species are, in the order in which they occur: *Spruce, Yellow Birch, Bal- 

 sam, Hemlock, Beech, Hard Maple, and White Pine. With these are 

 associated Arbondtae, commonly known as Cedar, Black Spruce, Tama- 

 rack, Red or Norway Pine, Soft Maple, and White Birch, with scattered 

 White Ash and Black Cherry. Aspen, commonly known as Poplar, and 

 Bird Cherry are found on the burned-over land. The underbrush is mainly 

 Witch Hobble, Striped Maple or Moosewood, and Mountain or Spotted 

 Maple. 



Spruce so largely predominates on Township 40 that it makes this a 

 characteristic Spruce township. This species forms 46;? of the trees m 

 mixture. 



Forest Types. 



In order to classify the forest and to make a more correct estimate of the 

 standing timber, it is usual to recogn'ze forest types. These depend largely 

 on the situation, which to a considerable degree modifies the character of 

 the forest, on the distribution of the various kinds of trees, and on their 

 habits of growth. 



On Township 40 the forest falls naturally into three principal types, 

 which have been called Swamp, Spruce Land, and Upper Spruce Slope. 

 The merchantable area of the forest (see Map H) contains only Swamp and 

 Spruce Land. The area marked Summit Watershed Reserve on the maps 

 is the Upper Spruce Slope land. 



Swamp. 



The Swamp type includes the low-lying land along the main streams 

 and inlets. It covers 1,977 acres, or 12'^ of the merchantable area. In 

 general, the elevation of the swamps is only slightly higher than that of the 

 lake. Small areas of open marsh occur near the mouths of some of the 

 streams, but most of the swamp land is covered by forest. 



" Wherever the word Spruce is used alone throughout this working plan it means the Red 

 Spruce {Picea rubens Sargent). 



