DIVISION OF FORESTEY. 213 



Many other trees which occasionally may form desirable adjuncts 

 to the forest might be added to this list, and in the end even the 

 study and propagation of low tree and bush forms for underbrush 

 will require our attention. 



To these timbers may be added a number of exotics, especially for 

 planting on the Western plains. 



The experiments in this respect need to be very careful as well as 

 methodical, and immediate attention to this branch of forestry should 

 be given. In order to deserve attention for purposes of naturaliza- 

 tion, it must be shown of an exotic timber — 



(1) That it furnishes better wood than the native species of the same 

 family. 



(2) That it will produce in a shorter time larger quantities of wood, 

 even if of less value. 



(3) That, even if its wood production be the same or inferior in quan- 

 tity and quality, it excels the native timber in its frugal demands on 

 the soil, in its value as.a nurse, in its resistance to climatic conditions, 

 or in some other particular quality. 



In the naturalization of foreign timbers, on account of their quali- 

 ties in their native habitat, due regard must be paid to the site and soil 

 in which their most favorable development occurs in their native coun- 

 try. Were we, for instance, to place Balsam Fir in a low, warm soil and 

 warm climate, the consequence would be deterioration with advancing 

 years; the mildness of the climate and the rich soil would induce un- 

 natural development, early death, and inferior lumber. Also, if we 

 select a soil which, in regard to its humidity, does not suit the species, 

 while the tree may grow and seemingly thrive, its qualities may be 

 changed and its life shortened. 



While hardiness plays so prominent a part in the consideration of 

 exotics for naturalization, it is rational that great stress should be 

 laid upon procuring the seed from most f avora.ble localities, i. e. , from 

 the most northern and the driest climates. Carelessness in this respect 

 may often be the cause of failure and disappointment with native as 

 well as with exotic trees. This was the case in Germany during 

 the winter of 1879-80, when Douglas Spruce grown from California 

 seed was all winter-killed, while the seedlings from Colorado seed 

 were found to be hardy. It should also be insisted upon that the seed 

 comes from vigorous, naturally-grown trees, and it is advisable to 

 have the soil of the nursery similar to that of the forest ground. 



The possibility of the naturalization of exotics is not yet as well 

 understood as some people believe. That the degree of moisture in 

 the atmosphere and the range of temperature in its native habitat 

 influence the adaptability of a species to other climes can hardly be 

 doubted. The precaution of getting the seed from the driest and 

 most northern habitat of the species is quite rational, but even with 

 this all the requirements which are necessary for a decision on the 

 hardiness of a tree are not fulfilled. The site and the method of its cul- 

 tivation have also a groat deal to do with the success of its groAvth. 

 I will cite only one example. The beech is certainly a native of 

 Germany: yet even in the most favorite localities it is almost impos- 

 sible to raise it in the open without the protection for several years 

 of its parent trees, as it is liable to be killed by late spring frosts. 

 It would, therefore, have to be considered not hardy, or only half 

 hardy, in its native habitat. While some trees may sustain changed 

 climatic conditions for ten or twelve years, and then suddenly succumb 

 unexpectedly to unfavorable climatic conditions, it is a -well-observed 



