A 0.36—ha area in the Harvard Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts, was intensively analyzed to determine its history. Natural and man—caused disturbances of varying magnitudes occurred periodically in the central New England mixed—species stand. Evidence of two hurricanes and a fire prior to 1803 were found. Between 1803 and 1952, 14 natural or man—caused disturbances of various magnitudes occurred in the area. Large disturbances created new age classes, but small disturbances did not. Species arising together after large disturbances formed a distinct vertical stratification, with northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) arising after several decades to the dominant canopy. Smaller disturbances to the overstory allowed understory trees such as black birch (Betula lenta L.), red maple (Acer rebrum L.), and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L. Carr.) to emerge to the dominant canopy. The composition of this forest was more the result of allogenic influences rather than autogenic development.

For many years the uprooting of trees has been recognized as a natural phenomenon. As such, it has usually been regarded as one of freakish occurrence noted for its direct and catastrophic results upon the trees immediately affected. Uprooting, it seems, has seldom been considered with enough perspective to reveal its basic relationship to the forest. A form of very detailed descriptive research was instigated in 1948 to document the developmental trends of the forest stands which had occurred on a 1‐acre area. Uprooting was established conclusively as an important factor in the development of the area during the last 500 years. When uprooting is observed and interpreted on a limited area with the perspective afforded by 500 years, its role becomes that of a natural forest process, rather than a single event in the life history of a forest stand. As a process, it must be considered along with reproduction, growth, podsolization, and other generally recognized processes. Similarly, the series of actions and subsequent reactions associated with uprooting can be described quantitatively, qualitatively, and chronologically. More extensive research has indicated that uprooting is a general forest process in eastern North America. Its influences have many ramifications, and like most other natural processes, are highly variable. The soil is one of the components of the forest greatly affected by the process of uprooting.