250 FORESTRY INVESTIGATIONS V. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



straight trees. The number of standards to be held over for timber depends upon the species 

 and upon the amount of undergrowth which the forester desires to secure. The shadier and the 

 more numerous the standards the more will the growth of the coppice be suppressed. From a 

 first plantation one would naturally be inclined to reserve and hold over all the well-grown 

 valuable saplings. The coppice is, of course, treated as described above. 



As before mentioned, on account of the free enjoyment of light which the standards have 

 they not only develop larger diameters, but also furnish quicker-grown wood (which in deciduous 

 trees is usually the best) and bear seed earlier, by which the reproduction of the forest from the 

 stump is supplemented and assisted. Any failing plantation of mixed growth, consisting of trees 

 capable of reproduction by coppice, may be recuperated by cutting the larger part back to the 

 stump and reserving only the most promising trees for standards. 



If equally well-grown coppice and standards are desired, a regular distribution of the standards, 

 mostly of the light-needing, thin-foliaged kinds, should be made. If prominence is given to the 

 production of useful sizes, the standards may be held over in groups and in regularly distributed 

 specimens, in which case those of the shade-enduring kinds are best in groups. 



THE TIMBER FOREST. 



In the timber-forest management we may note various methods: The method of selection 

 (Plenterwald), in accordance with which only trees of certain size are cut throughout the whole 

 forest, and the openings are expected to fill up with an after-growth sown by the remaining trees. 

 This method prevailed in former ages, but was finally almost everywhere abandoned because of the 

 difficulty of organized administration and control of such an irregular forest containing trees of 

 all ages, and because the after-growth is apt to progress but slowly with fore-grown trees sur- 

 rounding and overshadowing it, or may consist of worthless kinds. Of late a revival of this 

 method with various modifications designed to meet the objections is noticeable; the advantage of 

 keeping the soil constantly shaded and thereby preserving the soil moisture also recommending 

 this method. More uniform growths, more regular distribution of age classes, and a more regu- 

 lated administration was possible by various "regeneration methods," by which a certain area — 

 a compartment— -would be taken in hand and the cutting so systematically directed that not only 

 a uniform young growth would spring up through the whole compartment, but by the gradual 

 removal of the mother trees light would be given to the young growth as needed for its best 

 development. This method (Femelschlag) U practiced almost exclusively in the extensive beech 

 forests, somewhat in the following manner : 



REGENERATION METHODS. 



In the first place it is necessary to know the period at which a full seed year may be expected. 

 This differs according to locality and kind. One or more years before such a seed year is expected 

 the hitherto dense crown cover is broken by a preparatory cutting of the inferior timber, enough 

 being taken out to let in some light, or rather warm sunshine, which favors a fuller development 

 of seed, the increased circulation of air and light at the same time hastening the decomposition of 

 the leaf-mold and thus forming an acceptable seed bed. 



As soon as the seed has dropped to the soil, and perhaps, in the case of acorns and nuts, been 

 covered by allowing pigs to run where it has fallen, a second cutting takes place uniformly over 

 the area to be regenerated, in order that the seeds may have the best chance for germination — 

 air, moisture, and heat to some degree being necessary— and that the seedlings may have a proper 

 enjoyment of light for their best development and yet not be exposed too much to the hot rays of 

 the sun, which, by producing too rapid evaporation and drying up the needful soil moisture, would 

 endanger the tender seedlings. This cutting requires the nicest adjustment, according to the 

 state of the soil, climatic conditions, and the requirements of seedlings of different kinds. 



While the beech requires the darkest shade, the pine tribe and the oaks demand more light, 

 and should, by the successive cuttings, be early freed from the shade of the mother trees. Beech 

 seedlings are more tender, and only by the gradual removal (often protracted through many 

 years) of the shelter of the parent trees can they be accustomed to shift for themselves without 



