CHOICE OP SPECIKS TO BE PLANTED 525 



CONCLUSIONS 



We have considered, therefore, as the possible choices of species for 

 artificial restocking, four species of spruce — black, red, white, and 

 Norway. The black we eliminate at once because of its slow growth 

 and poor adaptability to all except special sites. I think I have shown 

 that the red spruce is not so deserving of consideration as the other 

 two because, first, it grows more slowly than either of them ; second, 

 is very susceptible to the bud-worm, and third, does not admit of so 

 economical seed collection. 



This leaves us, then, two species to consider — white and Norway. 

 The Norway is an exotic species and very little is known of its real 

 possibilities. In so far as its establishment and early growth in the 

 plantation is concerned, it is inferior to white spruce. That it will 

 produce excellent pulpwood is a certainty but its real rate of growth 

 under northern conditions, its resistance to enemies, particularly the 

 bud-worm, and its seed supply are unknown quantities. The seed supply 

 is abundant, to be sure, but not certain, as to quality and origin. 



All considerations indicate strongly, for the present at least, the use 

 of white spruce. This is a native species of known characteristics, is a 

 rapid grower, easily adaptable to practically all conditions, exception- 

 ally resistant to the serious known enemies, and affording an easy seed 

 supply. It is without question, therefore, until more is known at least, 

 advisable to concentrate efforts in planting on the white spruce which 

 gives more than reasonable promise of success, rather than to experi- 

 ment on any large scale with the others. Norway spruce may make 

 good but until it does we should by all means stick to the known quan- 

 tity. When white spruce forms the bulk of the pulpwood coming to any 

 one mill the cook will surely be adapted to it and satisfactory pulp 

 produced. 



