86 THE WOODLOT. 



FIGURE 29. 

 Diagram of Stand ix Orange County, N. Y. | 



Mixed hardwood forest, which has passed the period of most rapid growth and 

 which, owing to ground fires, ice storms, and neglect, is in poor condition. The 

 average age is 50 years, the height and diameters 40 to 50 feet, and 6 to 10 inches, 

 respectively. This is a case where a heavy improvement cutting should be made 

 with a view not only to releasing the main crop but also toward encouraging repro- 

 duction. Under present conditions little of the subordinate sapling growth is thrifty 

 enough to leave, since it has usually been too long suppressed. Thus, as will be seen 

 in the diagram, all trees but the leading individuals are taken out, including stray 

 specimens of Ironwood and Witch Hazel, which threaten to spread undesiraljly in 

 the forest. Dogwood, being an ornamental shrub, is here and there allowed to stand. 

 Occasional Hemlocks, whose capacity for enduring shade has kept them vigorous, are 

 also left. The resulting stand, freed of defective and declining trees, is opener than 

 it should be for a pure improvement thinning, but as it is approaching maturity this 

 openness is what is needed to stimulate the germination of seedlings. With a crop 

 of these started it will be possible either to remove the matured stand entirely, or, if 

 it is desired to preserve the old trees as long as possible, to cut it gradually as the 

 trees die or the young growth requires release. 



