FORESTRY. 241 



of different types of clirysantheiminis recouiineiulod for f^eneral cultTin', for 

 exhibition, and for decorative i)uri)oses. 



This is volume -'.t in the series of Handbooks of I'ractical (JardenuiK, edited 

 ity II. Roberts. 



Report of the horticulturist, F. A. Waugh (Massachusetts Sta. lipt. J9(lH, p/). 

 2II8-2U). — The principal experiments under way at the station deal with prob- 

 lems in the propajjatiou and priniinj? of fruit trees and in the systematic study 

 of varieties of fruit. In the present report is given a summary of experiments 

 in mushroom culture conducted in l'.)()4 and lilOf) luider the direction of F. fan- 

 ning, and previously noted (E. S. 11., 17, p. 971). 



As a general result of the experiments the author concludes that mushrooms 

 can often be grown profitably as a catch crop in cellars or under greenhouse 

 benches where conditions are favorable, especially as to a cheap and reliable 

 supply of fresh horse manure. It is further concluded, however, that the 

 stories of sudden wealth accumulated from mushroom growing are mostly 

 fictitious. 



FORESTRY. 



Report of the forester, A. F. Hawes {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. IdOG, pt. 6', 

 pp. 369-394). — This is a report of operations conducted in the experimental 

 plantations, forest nursery, and State forests, of the assistance rendered to 

 private owners of forest planting done by the Middletown Water Company, and 

 of fires reported for 1905 by 42 wardens. 



A large number of species of conifers and deciduous trees have been planted 

 in the experimental plats, of which the pines thus far appear to be best adapted 

 for the sandy soil on which the trees are grown. No material difference is 

 noted between the growth of white. Scotch, and Norway pines. The first planta- 

 tions of pine were made in the spring of 1902. The average height of the white 

 l)ine at the end of the growing season of 1904 was 2G in., and the average 

 •■innual growth for 1905 and 1906 was 11 in. At this rate of growth it is esti- 

 mated that it will take a plantation of white pine 7 years to reach the average 

 height of ft. Of the deciduous trees, white and red oak, chestnut, beech, and 

 black or yellow locust have given the best results, but with the exception of 

 the black locust the growth has been unsatisfactory. With the latter tree. 

 1 -year-old seedlings 2 ft. high set out in April, 1903, had grown to a height 

 of 8 ft. in 1906, and were bearing seed. Catalpa trees have made practically 

 no advance since they were set out in April, 1903, having been killed back 

 every winter. 



As a re.sult of investigations the planting of 1-year-old seedlings is recom- 

 mended in jireference to planting acorns and chestnuts for the production of 

 oak and chestnut trees, since the squirrels are apt to do considerable damage 

 to the seed. Where seed is employed a bushel of nuts per acre should be used. 

 The total cost of planting an acre, including the cost of seed, is estimated at 

 $5.50 for chestnut and somewhat less for oak. The expense of purchasing 

 seedlings at .$4 per thousand and planting 1 acre with 1,500 trees 5 by 6 ft. 

 apart is estimated at .$8.60. When planted 5 by 5 ft. apart, 1.700 trees are 

 required, at a total cost of about ipiO per acre. These planting distances have 

 given the most satisfactoiy results. 



As a nutans of fire protection, a system of fire lines has been established. 

 From past experience in fighting fires these lines are now made 15 ft. wide at an 

 initial cost of about ^HO a mile. The work of repair consists of cleaning out twice 

 during the year, at an annual cost thus far of about $15 per mile, although this 



