FORESTRY. 869 



mineral soils, which during the period of tree growth greatly lessens the water 

 content of the soil. 



A study of the form and development of the roots of the pine and other 

 trees, A. Toi.ski (Trudui Opuitn. Lyesn., 1905, So. •/. pp. I 62, pis. 6, figs. 18). 

 A study of the root system of trees under varying soil and topographic condi- 

 tions was undertaken by tin 1 author with ;i \ iew to ascertaining the causes of 

 the decay of pine plantings in the Buzuluk Forest, in the government of Samara. 

 The investigations were begun in 1903 and have been carried on with pines •"• to 

 Km years old, and with birches, aspen trees, :hk1 linden. 



Among the conclusions are the following: One of the main factors which 



exercises ;i more or less considerable influence the structure of tin- fonts is 



the depth to moisture, with humidity in dose proximity, then, simultaneously 

 with the development of the superficial roots, the development of the vertical 

 (lies takes place, if. on the contrary, the humidity is at a considerable depth 

 then the development of the superficial mots greatly predominates. The length 

 of all the roots is in general much greater in the leafy trees than in the pine, 

 the linden being an exception. With pines it was observed that the root system 

 mi poor soils was tnueh more developed than on fertile soils. The investigation 

 will be ••out inued.- p. i hum an. 



Root pruning forest trees < Osterr. Forsl u. Jugd Ztg., '.■'> I 1905 |, Vo. \6, p. 386, 

 figs. 5). Stub root pruning has been practiced by the author with a number 

 of different species of seedling forest trees during the last 2 years with very 

 good results. Illustrations are given showing the character of the root system 

 developed when thus pruned according to the Stringfellow method, and it is 

 thought this method of treatment may have application in forestry practice. 



Root pruned trees {Rural Sew Yorker, 64 (1905), Vo. W18, p. 981, fig. t). 

 As the result of extensive experiments in planting stub pruned peach trees. 

 the author is convinced that the long roots usually left on trees at transplanting 



Ore useless. 



He does not prune hack to the extent recommended by Stringfellow and use 

 a crowbar in setting out the trees, because of the difficulty of packing the soil 

 firmly under the roots of the trees in such holes, lie thinks it Letter to leave 

 short stuhs ;it the sides of the roots, pruning them from the under side. A 

 hole is then dug just large enough to hold the roots without cramping and the 

 earth pounded and packed s-.li.lly around them. An illustration is given show- 

 ing the very satisfactory development of roots on trees thus pruned. 



Note on increment of spruce in West Virginia and fire losses. It. E. Peb- 

 now (Forestry Quart., •>' (1905), No. ). pp. 8J/6 3J/8). On a property of 75,000 

 acres 3,000 acres are cut each year. A portion of the area was burned over 

 in the seventies and the new growth is about 25 years old. 



From measurements of this growth the author shows that during the 25 

 years that would he necessary to cut over the whole area about 8 cords of wood 

 per acre would he produced on the first area cut. If lire could he kepi out of 

 the forest entirely it is estimated that after the whole tract had been lum- 

 bered over an annual harvest «.f 8,000 cords of wood, worth then probably 

 more than sioo. ion. could be secured for at least 25 years if not continuously, 

 on this basis it is believed that it would be financially profitable t.» provide for 

 Immediate lire protection. 



Notes on the rate of growth of red cedar, red oak, and chestnut, II. S. 

 Graves (Forestry Quart., •>' (1905), \<>. ). /</'. •»'/•' 353). Tabulated data are 

 given showing the diameter and height of these trees .-it different ages. 



A study of 23 red cedar trees at New Haven. ( 'oiin.. showed that a tree 

 growing in the open required •*'><> years to yield a post 6 ft. long and -4 in. iu 

 diameter at the top end; that a tree In year- old might yield - such posts; 



