562 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



done upon trees or plants it should be 

 noted on the census. In other words, 

 the tree census would be a condensed 

 statement of all the information re- 

 garding the trees. 



He should specify the material for a 

 municipal nursery. This is very im- 

 portant since the training and experi- 

 ence of the forester would enable him 

 to specify the varieties of trees that 

 would be best adapted for the work 

 which he has in mind. The selection of 

 trees adapted to city conditions is a very 

 important question since the expense of 

 future care depends to a great extent 

 on this. 



The forester should also outline gen- 

 eral culture methods for trees already 

 established, methods which would tend 

 toward a permanent development in a 

 systematic manner at a minimum ex- 

 pense. On account of his direct con- 

 tact with the details of his work, he 

 would know the physical condition of 

 the trees and would, therefore, be the 

 one to pass judgment on all trees as to 

 their health, safety and variety. He 

 should be in touch with the workings 

 of the engineering department of his 

 borous^h in so far as the matter of 

 future streets is concerned ; he should 

 consult with this department so that 

 provisions will be made at the outset 

 for the planting and future develop- 

 ment of trees. This is a very impor- 

 tant feature and one that would tend 

 not only to lower expense of future 

 care and maintenance of trees but 

 would also bring about the greatest op- 

 portunity for planting trees in a sys- 

 tematic way. It would also mean the 

 requirements of trees which, given the 

 proper consideration, would be much 

 more economical and satisfactory than 

 the adapting of trees to severe existing 

 conditions. 



The forester should select equipment 

 and materials for his department. On 

 account of his experience he would 

 know the equipment of tools with 

 which his men could work to the best 

 advantage and which would be the most 

 economical for the city. The matter of 

 materials is important. 



The forester should act in an ad- 

 visory capacity in regard to damages to 



trees. Some trees are cared for by 

 private organizations or associations, 

 and the forester should have super- 

 vision of such work. 



Photo by H. K. Francis. 



Butchered Trees. 



Throughout all the boroughs of New York City 

 there are many trees that have been butchered. 

 Trees that have been pruned in this character 

 are so unsightly as to d sfigure rather than 

 beautify the street on which they are planted. 

 While this method of treatment may have been 

 applied in anticipation of saving the trees they 

 should not have been neglected so long as to 

 make this severe action necessary. 



\\'hen trees are planted by contract 

 the forester should act in a professional 

 capacity. . That is, he should handle the 

 specifications and keep in close touch 

 with the details of the work being done 

 by contract. In brief, the duties of a 

 forester should be advisory as well as 

 having general supervision over the 

 city's vep-etation. 



The Superintendent of Parks should 

 hire the workmen that do the actual 



