62 FOKEST C0M>IISSI0NER''S REPORT. 



The third method, — transplating trees from the forest — is prac- 

 ticable, and may sometimes be advisable, but it is more expensive, 

 and attended with some difflculties. Small trees of the most 

 desirable varieties are not often to be found in sufficient numbers 

 for thf purpose, and if found, could only be procured by purchase. 

 It should be borne in mind that there is much more risk and labor 

 in transplanting from the forest, than from the seed-bed or nursery 

 row. 



As to starting seeds in boxes under glass, though possibly the 

 best method, few have the facilities for so doing, and it is not likely 

 to be extensively practiced. It has se\eral advantages, — namely, 

 the temperature and humidity of a glass structure are under com- 

 plete control at all times, the seeds are exempt from the depreda- 

 tions of animals and insects, and, as they are sown in autumn, can 

 be kept growing all winter, so that the trees will be ready to plant 

 out in spring before those sown outdoors have germinated. These 

 seedlings escape the sudden and extreme changes peculiar to our 

 climate, so destructive to young plants, es|,ecially of the conifers. 

 ]n this way not a root is destroyed in transplanting, but every fiber 

 is preserved intact. At the end of five years trees thus grown will 

 have attained a much larger s ze than by any other method. But 

 most seedlings will be grown in the open air, and we may well con- 

 sider how this can best be done. 



With the nuts and acorns, there need be no failures if the seeds 

 have been properly wintered, kept from becoming dry and exposed 

 to frost. They may be planted in drills, with as little danger of 

 failure as sets of a potato. Select land free from rocks, to avoid 

 hard work in digging. Make the soil mellow and fertile, to ensure 

 a strong and upright growth. Avoid land that is liable to be 

 washed or flooded with water, in case of heavy rains. Plant in 

 rows wide enough for a cultivator to pass, and place the seeds 

 three or four inches apart in the drills, and two inches deep. Give 

 clean cultivation. 



Some take up the seedlings in the fall, and "heel them in," to 

 prevent (heir being thrown out by frosts, but this is not necessary' 

 if the land is well-drained, sandy loam. Take up the trees in 

 spring, grade them as to size, cut back their tap-roots, and reset, 

 giving greater distance in the rows. If any are ill-formed, cut 

 back to a bud near the ground, and this will send up a straight 

 shoot. 



