2 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. YIII 
tionally favourable or unfavourable seasons. The growth 
of the seedlings was carefully watched throughout the year 
and, so far as possible, the chief factors were determined by 
observation which appeared to have most influence in 
causing the death or bad growth of seedlings at different 
seasons. 
(3) The effects of such dominant, or limiting, factors were then 
further tested in the Dehra Dun Experimental Garden, 
in pot cultures and in water cultures. 
(4) A further series of experiments was run in the local forests 
with the object of seeing how far the limiting factors could 
be controlled by methods suitable for incorporation in a 
practical system of sylvicultural management. 
Results obtained during the years 1909 — 15. 
2. The work carried out during the years 1909'—15 indicated that 
the chief limiting factors affecting sal seedlings were:— 
(1) A layer of dead leaves on the soil surface which is injurious 
to germination and early development. ( Ind . For. Rec. 
V. 4, part II, 1916, pp. 69, 70 and Indian Forester XLI, 
pp. 353, 354, October 1915.) 
(2) Soil moisture, drought being responsible for the widespread 
death and dying-back of seedlings during the months of 
short rainfall. (Ind. For. Rec. V. 4, part II, 1916, pp. 55, 
56, 57, 58.) 
(3) Bad soil aeration. This factor causes a large number of deaths 
in the shade during the rains and increases the subsequent 
damage from drought on account of its injurious effect 
on root development ( l.c ., part II, 1916, pp. 52, 59, 66). 
In the light of these results, it was suggested that the best method 
of regenerating these sal forests probably consisted in :— 
(a) Clearing the surface soil of dead leaves and humus. 
(b) Clear felling in strips and small patches, the width of the former 
and diameter of the latter being about equal to the height 
of the surrounding trees. 
(c) Artificial sowing in the cleared areas combined with weeding 
in the first year. 
At the same time it was pointed out that where this method was 
impracticable, e.g. in areas where labour is scarce, the number of seedlings 
on the ground can be quickly increased merely by the continued removal 
of the dead leaves by light leaf-fires, (l.c., part II, 1916, pp. 74, 81.) 
[ 164 ] 
