16 
REPRODUCTION, 
There are three ways of reproducing a forest, which lead to three 
methods of management. We may either remove the original growth 
and replant the area, or we may cut it and expect the reproduction by 
sprouts from the stumps, or else we may so manage our cutting that 
seed from some remaining trees sows itself and produces a new growth 
of seedlings. Often any two or all three methods of reproduction may 
be employed together. 
The first method, namely, that of replanting the cleared ground, is 
simple but expensive, especially in our country, where wages are high. 
The method is objectionable, also, because by the removal of the 
original cover the soil is exposed to sun and wind and is liable to be 
covered by weed growth, which reduces the chances of successful re- 
forestation. It is, however, largely used in the pine forests of Europe 
with tolerable success, and has the advantage that the cutting may be 
done without regard to the seed production. 
Planting becomes necessary where all original growth is absent, as 
in the prairies and plains and on the devastated hill and mountain lands, 
or where, by lack of proper attention in cutting the forest, undesirable 
species have gained poss: ssion of the ground. 
The second method, that of reproduction by sprouts from the stump, 
familiarly known as coppice management, can be used only, of course, 
with such kinds as will sprout. The conifers, therefore, are entirely 
excluded, for although a few of them (sequoia, and some pines) do 
sprout, the sprouts do not develop into trees of size. Altogether, 
sprouts, While growing rapidly, remain comparatively short. ‘This man- 
agement is, therefore, only fit for the production of firewood, charcoal, 
ties, poles, posts, and wood of small dimensions. Most of the so-called 
second growth of the forests of New England and elsewhere in the 
United States consists of coppice growth, and does not promise much 
for future supplies of dimension timber. In time the stocks lose their 
vitality and the quality of the forest deteriorates. 
The third method, that of natural reproduction by seed, together with 
artificial planting, produces the timber forest. 
There are various ways of applying this method; either leaving seed 
trees scattered over the entire area, or clearing strips and leaving a 
neighboring growth of seed trees to supply the seed for the reproduc- 
tion on the cleared strip. 
In these methods one is dependent on the seed-bearing of the mother 
trees, and it must not be overlooked that most or many of our most 
valuable trees do not bear seed every year, at least not plentifully. 
The clearing of strips, with seeding from the neighboring growth, is 
perhaps the simplest and on that account may recommend itself to the 
lumbermen. It is applicable with success, however, only to those 
kinds which have light enough seed to be scattered over the cleared 
strip by the winds,and which can sprout and develop satisfactorily 
