516 Forestry Quarterly 



it can be deduced that 25 specimens are enough to reveal the 

 character of the growth. In the natural spruce undergrowth under 

 oak the growth is still more uniform, its maximum occurs 

 earlier (June 1), but, of course, the total is smaller. The end of 

 growth was reached by July 16. 



Observations on 21 specimens of 65-year-old trees show that 

 earliness and lateness of shooting are characteristics of individuals. 

 This knowledge is of practical value in choosing plant material. 



Placing the average curves of the seven stands in comparison, 

 it appears that 10 days after the buds burst suddenly an increased 

 lengthening of the shoot takes place ; by middle of June again an 

 increase takes place, and then for about 14 days a very considerable 

 decrease of rate takes place, by middle of July to be again somewhat 

 increased. Rest periods were observed only in certain spruces, 

 especially poorer growing ones, while according to Engler roots 

 experience a general rest. The decided increase of rate in Jtme 

 and July is a characteristic of whole stands. 



In the four plantations the difference in total performance was 

 only 2 V2 cm and the differences were in direct relation to the eleva- 

 tion; this, while small, in 100 years would make 2V2 w, and prob- 

 ably the difference will be greater, since probably the difference of 

 annual performance in the polewood stage will be greater. 



Detailed measurements were made of the conditions of growth, 

 soil differences, progress of temperatures, humidity and rain, soil 

 moisture, light; account was made of physical condition, soil, 

 elevation, aspect, etc., to secure an insight into their relations to 

 growth. 



The conclusions are : During growth of the shoot in height the 

 growth zone progresses from the base to the tip. The maximimi 

 growth in the year 1913 fell in the beginning of June with all series, 

 yet each series, each stand, each individual exhibits a special law of 

 progress circimiscribed by interior (individual) and exterior condi- 

 tions; age, temperature, humidity, nutrients and elevation exer- 

 cising most prominent influence as regards earlier or later beginning, 

 culmination and conclusion of growth, and rapidity of progress. To 

 secure characteristic growi;h curves for a species, would appear 

 from this a most difficult problem. Not all individuals grow 

 without interruption, they may experience rest periods. The 

 earlier sprouters remain ahead through the season. This earlier 

 or later sprouting was found to be an individual peculiarity. Hence 

 late sprouters can be recognized and be avoided in planting. 



