REPRODUCING THE WOOD LOT. 



289 



if the first strip failed to cover itself satisfactorily the operation is stopped, for it would be 

 unwise to remove the seed trees further by an additional clearing. Accordingly, this method 

 should be used only where the kinds composing the mother crop are frequent and abundant 

 seeders and give assurance of reseeding the strips quickly and successfully. 



The other two methods have greater chances of success in that they preserve the soil 

 conditions more surely, and there is more assurance of seeding from the neighboring trees on all 

 sides. 



The selection method, by which single trees are taken out all over the forest, is the same as 

 has been practiced by the farmer and lumberman hitherto, only they have forgotten to look after 

 the young crop. Millions of seed may fall to the ground and germinate, but perish from the 

 excessive shade of the mother trees. If we wish to be successful in establishing a new crop it 

 will be necessary to be ready with 

 the ax all the time and give light 

 as needed by the young crop. The 

 openings madeby taking out single 

 trees are so small that there is 

 great danger of the young crop 

 being lost, or at least impeded in 

 its development, because it is im- 

 practicable to come in time to its 

 relief with the ax. 



The best method, therefore, in 

 all respects, is the group method, 

 which not only secures continuous 

 soil cover, chances for full seeding, 

 and more satisfactory light condi- 

 tions, but requires less careful at- 

 tention, or at least permits more 

 freedom of movement and adapta- 

 tion to local conditions (fig. 30). 



It is especially adapted to mixed 

 woods, as it permits securing for 

 each species the most desirable 

 light conditions by making the 

 openings larger or smaller, accord- 

 ing as the species we wish to favor 

 in a particular group demand more 

 or less shade. Further, when dif- 

 ferent species are ripe for regener- 

 ation at different times, this plan 

 makes it possible to take them in 

 hand as needed. Again, we can 

 begin with one group or we can 

 take in hand several groups simultaneously, as may be desirable and practicable. 



We start our groups of new crop either where a young growth is already on the ground, 

 enlarging around it, or where old timber has reached its highest usefulness and should be cut in 

 order that we may not lose the larger growth which young trees would make; or else we choose a 

 place which is but poorly stocked, wheie, if it is not regenerated, the soil is likely to deteriorate 

 further. The choice is affected further by the consideration that dry situations should be taken 

 in hand earlier than those in which the soil and site are more favorable, and that some species 

 reach maturity and highest use value earlier than others and should therefore be reproduced 

 earlier. In short, we begin the regeneration when and where the necessity for it exists, or where 

 the young crop has the best chance to start most satisfactorily with the least artificial aid. Of 

 course advantage should be taken of the occurrence of seed years, which come at different inter- 

 vals with different species* 

 H. Doc. 181 19 



!Fia. 39 — Showing plan of group system m regenerating a forest crop. 1,2,3,4, suc- 

 cessive gioups of jonng timbei, 1 being the oldest, 4. the youngest, 5 old timber, a, 

 w md mantle, specially managed to secure protection. 



