SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REGION. 



91 



80wn pine seedlings, which check further erosion and 

 rebuild the soil. 



The forests, which are confined to the slopes, are formed 

 of hard woods, chiefly oaks, associated with pine (black, 

 rarely with white) on the drier south and east slopes; and 

 of mixed hard woods — oaks, chestnut, maple, poplar, linn, The forest, 

 and ash — associated with hemlock in the deep hollows and 

 on north slopes. The better forests lie to the south of 

 Mulberry Gap. East of this gap the oaks and pines are 

 smaller and of poorer quality, and have suffered more 

 from fires; but fires have also done much damage to the 

 pines and oaks growing on the southward slopes. Culling 

 has been carried on for many years, and much of the 

 choicest timber has been removed from the bordering lands, 

 even to the very sources of the streams; but much oak and 

 some pine yet remain. 



The hardwoods reproduce freely from both stool shoots 

 and seed, and the pines from seed. To prevent further 

 deterioration of the forest and improve its condition, pro- 

 tection from fire is necessary, while improvement cuttings 

 are required in many places to remove worthless stock and 

 to free young timber. 



