654 IMPR(WING AND MAINTAIM\G GROUSE COVERTS 



selves to the skillful forest manager interested in oi)taining a maximum harvest from his lands. 

 Those mentioned here have been found practical in New York. It is recognized, of course, 

 that in other regions it will l>e necessary to adapt such practices as lit local conditions and 

 environments. Hut if one is sufficiently interested, there is little doubt that it can be done. 



Control of Forest Insects and Diseases 



The measures currently in use in New York for controlling forest insects and diseases do 

 not seem to affect grouse much one way or the other. True, weeviled white pines are apt 

 to provide better shelter for birds than do straight, fast-growing trees but the difference is 

 seldom sufficiently pronounced so as to make it inadvisable to carry out control measures on 

 young trees. Terminal shoots, infected by the white pine weevil, may usually be recognized 

 by the wilting of the terminal leaders. Control consists of cutting the shoot below the hole 

 during the month of July and burning them. 



The eradication of gooseberries and currants, either wild or cultivated, from within the 

 covert, to prevent the spread of the white pine blister rust is important in those areas where 

 this destructive disease is prevalent. 



Much concern has recently been expressed over the possible harmful effects on bird life of 

 spraying woodlands with a weak solution of DDT to control insects such as the gipsy moth, 

 the spruce bud worm and the pine saw-fly. While young grouse feed to a considerable extent, 

 on insects during the first ten days following hatching, where concentrations of one pound per 

 acre have been sprayed from an airplane, no harm to grouse, old or young, has been noted. 

 The indications are, however, that larger applications may prove dangerous. 



DEVELOPING FOOD AND SHELTER BY PLANTING* 



In many cases, the habitat may be improved by planting additional shelter and food pro- 

 ducing cover types. How this can be done will be determined by the existing conditions on 

 the area. The methods to be used on open fields will differ from those needed for cover 

 already established, while varying deficiencies within that cover will call for particular plant- 

 ing techniques to improve them. 



Basic Principles Controlling Planting 



In general, at least portions of the improvement must be accomplished by planting seeds 

 or seedlings. There are certain basic principles that should be followed. They are: 



1. Determine the proper establishment method required. 



2. Test for the most important soil factors, such as its f(Tti!it\ l<'\cl ami jnoislurc char- 

 acter. Site requirements ior trees and shrubs, recommended for planting in New ^ork. 

 are given iti table 97. 



3. Select species suitable to the climate, light and shade, and soil conditions. These are 

 shown in table 97. 



4. Secure suitable seed and planting stock. 

 .S. Care properly for planting stock. 



6. Use the proper planting methods. 



• By Frank C. (Idminttcr, 



