EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 249 



KEPORT OF THE SEOTION OF FORESTRY, 



To the Director: 



Sir: — I herewith submit a brief report of the work of the Section of 

 Forestry for the year ending June 30, 192'3 : 



The study of second growth hardwoods on cut-over land in the north- 

 ern part of the State was completed. The report shows the amount of 

 timber which may be expected in second growth stands at various 

 ages, and indicates metliods of improving such stands. It is based on a 

 large amount of data collected at various places in the northern part 

 of the State during the last few years and makes, I think, a valuable 

 contribution to our knowledge of the second growth hardwood forests 

 in Michigan, 



The study of the rate of growth and returns that may be expected 

 from thinnings in woodlots in the southern part of the State was also 

 completed during the year. It is based upon a large number of measure- 

 ments and indicates better methods of management for such woodbjts 

 as well as showing what per cent of timber should be cut in order to 

 improve the composition and increase the rate of growth. 



A study of nut tree plantations including the range of nut trees in 

 Michigan, crop and market conditions and methods of improveing the 

 varieties of nuts produced was carried on and completed by Professor 

 J. C. DeCamp during the j^ear. It is felt that the results of this work 

 will be of much- value in answering inquiries from people interested 

 in such plantations. 



The study of sap flow in the College sugar bush was continued and 

 records kept of costs per gallon of syrup made. These results are pub- 

 lished from time to time in the Experiment Station Quarterly. 



The experimental work on the basket willow plantation at Spring 

 Lake, which has been carried on for six years, was discontinued. The 

 plantation had shown a profit for the last three years and the results 

 obtained indicate the costs and receipts that may be expected from such 

 plantations. 



The periodic measurements which are being made on various forest 

 plantations throughout Michigan were continued during the year. The 

 work will show the actual rate of growth and the per cent of decrease 

 in number of trees per acre at various ages. 



A series of experiments were carried on by Mr, Herbert in killing 

 trees by the use of poisons so as to prevent their sending up shoots from 

 the roots or stumps. These experiments have been partially successful 

 but the work should be continued another season in order to get positive 

 results, Mr, Herbert also did considerable work in the hybridization 

 of certain forest trees and in a study of the effect of pruning on height 

 and diameter groyvth. These latter studies must necessarily be con- 

 tinued for some years before results are obtained. 



Respectfully submitted, 



A. K. CHITTENDEN, 



Forester. 



