FOREST EXTENSION. 19 



the area at right angles to his previous course and sow the remaining 

 half. In this way equal distribution of the seed is assured. Any 

 surplus should be sown upon the more favorable parts of the strip. 

 Under this method seed is sown in selected spots which are pre- 

 pared for its reception. Since some of the seed may 

 be eaten by mice or fail to germinate, liberal sowing 

 in each spot is necessary. This method has the following advantages 

 over broadcasting: The most favorable spots on each site can be 

 selected; the seed is sown on prepared ground and may, if desired, be 

 promptly covered ; a comparatively small quantity of seed is required ; 

 and the results of the work can be readily determined. 



Sowing with a corn planter is an adaptation of the seed-spot 



method, applicable especially to areas with compara- 



pilt!* wltliacor11 tively exposed soil. It is cheaper than the seed-spot 



method, since no previous preparation of the ground 



is necessary. The number of seeds thrust into each hole made by 



the corn planter can be easily regulated and the earth pressed over 



them with the foot. 



Where the snowfall is heavy and remains upon the ground until 

 Time of sowin ^ e m ^ e s P rm g> ^ is generally best to sow in the 

 fall, since the seed will become covered more fully 

 with litter and soil during the spring thaw and have a chance to 

 sprout early and produce a strong plant before the summer drought 

 begins. If seed is not available for fall sowing it may be sown by 

 broadcasting in winter or early spring upon the snow on sites pre- 

 viously selected and marked. To obtain the best results in spring 

 sowing by the seed spot or other methods, it is necessary to sow 

 immediately after the snow disappears. 



PLANTING. 



As soon as a shipment of trees is received they should be exam- 

 care of seediin s * u ^ determine their condition. If the covering 

 around the roots is becoming dry, it should be moist- 

 ened at once. 



The trees should be removed from the bundles and, unless planted 

 Heeiin in immediately, should be heeled in on or near the plant- 



ing sites. A cool, shaded situation should be selected 

 with a moist soil fairly free from rock and coarse gravel. A trench 

 should be dug from 10 to 15 inches deep, with one side slightly sloping 

 toward the north. The trees should then be spread along the sloping 

 side, not more than two or three deep, with the foliage and a short 

 length of stem above the ground surface. To insure uniformity in 

 covering, the roots should be well straightened out and evenly placed 

 in the trench. Fine earth should be packed firmly about the roots, 

 leaving no air spaces, and should be kept moist. Other layers of trees 

 may be set parallel to the first row, but there must be at least 4 inches 

 of earth between the rows. To prevent exposure to intense sunlight, 

 the tops should be shaded with brush or sacking. 



In field planting, four by four feet to six by six feet are the spacings 



spacing generally used. The roughness of the planting site 



and the necessity of putting each plant in the best 



possible location will often prevent regular spacing; but uniformity 



is desirable whenever possible. 



