542 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



humus that is changing into soil and a good mulch of leaves and seedlings 

 all over the surface. Under these conditions the moisture Is held and the 

 ground remains fresh and loose. 



Almost everything that is advised in bettering the condition of a wood- 

 lot aims at one of three things: (a) Density; (b) species in mixture, or 

 (c) bringing the soil condition back to its virgin state. 



I have briefly gone over the work of the Bureau at the present time. 

 This is very characteristic of the work. There are large problems entered 

 into between the State and National Bureau. They are of great worth 

 and are doing great good in our state forestry work. 



Now 1 will say a few words concerning the work I am doing myself 

 in Ohio. I have been sent for to examine the woodlots of Ohio with 

 reference to bettering their conditions. 



Prof. Latta: Will you permit of questions being asked you at this 

 time? 



Mr. Weigle: I should be glad to answer any questions. 



Prof. Latta: Would you advise thickening up a forest by actual 

 planting or letting the forest reseed itself? 



Mr. Weigle: In places I would let the forest reseed itself. Another 

 way is to plant walnuts. If you will plant walnuts and keep the stock 

 out they will grow, if not the stock will tramp them all down, and in a 

 few years' time you will have the forest replenished. Just stick the 

 walnuts in and leave them to themselves and in the spring they will 

 start up, and you will soon have a very valuable tree. 



Prof. Latta: Do you find the farmers quite ready to keep the stock 

 out? 



Mr. Weigle: I have found no objection to that. I say to them, which 

 is more valu:il)lo. to turn your cattle in here, or to let the woodlot grow? 

 Which is more valuable the increase you get in your cattle or the in- 

 crease you get in the woodlot? Just see here. You have twenty acres of 

 forest here, and one hundi'ed and twenty-five sheep. Why not fence off 

 a portion of this woodlot for them? The grass doesn't amount to anything 

 at all. It doesn't contain very much nourishment. You will find good 

 grass in the forests in some places, but not very often. 



Mr. DeVilbiss: Arc you ready to protect the locust against the borer? 



Mr. Weigle: No, sir; only to cut down the tree and start a new 

 growth. A number of people will not do that. 



Mr. DeVilbiss: Would you advise against planting the locust? 



