.348 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. [Vol.38 



Studies were made relative to the best temperature for cone dryiug in a 

 kiln. The results in general indicate that drying is the complex result of 

 temperature, humidity, and air circulation. A relatively low temperature 

 (even 130° F.) may be fatal to seed if the cones are green or the atmospheric 

 humidity high. A similar temperature may be dangerous if any of the seed 

 happens to be much exposed during treatment, and specially so if the humidity 

 is low. With green cones, which are not well adapted to kiln treatment, a 

 uniform temperature of over 100° is apt to cause great loss, largely through 

 the superheating of the seed. Cones moderately dry can be exposed to tem- 

 perature as high as 140°. It is suggested, however, that in view of the danger 

 of excessive dryiug the temperature should be as low as is compatible with 

 economy. 



Seed that does not shake out readily from partially opened cones was found 

 to be usually of high quality and worth saving, unless extra shaking is for 

 some reason too expensive. The seeds last shaken out are apparently no 

 smaller than those which are first extracted. The germination percentage is 

 sometimes slightly low with the seed last obtained. 



Methods of hastening g'ermination, S. B. Show (Jour. Forestry, 15 (1917), 

 No. 8, pp. 1003-1006). — In the spring of 1913 tests were made by the Feather 

 River Experiment Station, near Quincy, Cal., of a number of different methods 

 of hastening the germination of tree seed. The results of tests conducted 

 with seed of sugar pine, western yellow pine, JeiTrey pine, and incense cedar 

 are here presented in tabular form. The data as a whole were not conclusive, 

 but indicate, however, that soaking in solutions of sulphuric acid gives the 

 best results for sugar pine seed. 



Osmotic pressure as an index of habitat, B. Moobe (Jour. Forestry, 15 

 (1917). No. 8, pp. 1010-1013). — The author reviews recent investigations relative 

 to the freezing-point depression and osmotic pressure of plant tissues in rela- 

 tion to environment, and calls attention to their direct bearing on forest re- 

 search in that they reveal the existence of an index of habitat which may be 

 of great value in silvical studies. 



The farmer's woodlot, J. J. Crumley (Mo. Bui. Ohio Sta., 2 (1917), No. 11, 

 pp. 375-380, figs. 2). — This paper discusses the present condition of small wood- 

 lots in the more level sections of Ohio, with special reference to the detrimental 

 effects of pasturing woodlots. 



Advice to forest planters in the plains region, S. D. Smith (U. S. Dept. 

 Agr., Farmers' Bui. 888 (1917), pp. 23). — This publication gives advice about 

 tree planting in the plains region to provide windbreaks, supplies of firewood, 

 fence posts, and wood for repairs. A descriptive list is given of trees adapted 

 to the northern and southern plains region, together with a discussion of mixed 

 plantations, ornamental plantings, the details, methods, and time of planting, 

 spacing, cultivation, thining, pruning, protection, and where to secure trees 

 and seeds. The publication concludes with a general list of " don'ts " for 

 tree planters. 



Planting experiments on the sand dunes of the Oregon coast, T. T. Mungek 

 (Jour. Forestry, 15 (1917), No. 8, pp. 1007-1009) .—Is. brief statement of tree 

 planting work conducted during the period 1910 to 1916. The experiments have 

 been discontinued for the present because it appears that afforestation, except 

 of the very best of the sand waste country, will not be possible until a 

 herbaceous cover has first been established to stop the sand movement. 



Axton plantations, B. E. Feknow (Jour. Forestry, 15 (1917), No. 8, pp. 988- 

 990). — With a view to furnishing a record for future reference, the author here 

 presents a memorandum of the silvicultural work done by the former New York 



