A STUDY OF THE ORIGIN OF HEMLOCK FORESTS IN SOUTHWESTERN NOVA SCOTIA

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Abstract
A study of neighboring forest stands seventy, one hundred and fifty, and three hundred years old was made in the hemlock area of southwestern Nova Scotia. Soils, drainage and climate were similar. Evidence pointed to fire as the agent in the removal of the original forest in the case of the two younger stands. The number of short-lived trees decreased with the age of the stand, and the abundance and distribution of hemlock indicated its ultimate dominant position. From trends apparent in the younger stands, it appears that having reached an age of three hundred years their composition will be similar to the present composition of the three hundred year old stand. It is concluded that fire may play a major role in the initiation of the development of pure hemlock stands.

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