PLANTING ON SAND- WASTES OR PINE-BARRENS. 169 



ing can be begun. But as this kind of soil is not often 

 met with in our State, we will leave it out of further 

 consideration, and turn to the common sand-wastes, of 

 which there are, as the census of 1880 says, several mill- 

 ions of acres. 



In order to bring the sand-wastes proper (excepting 

 the blowing or shifting or drifting sands) in a condition 

 adapted for raising tiees upon them, the soil should re- 

 ceive one deep plowing in the fall preceding the plant- 

 ing, and, after being harrowed, should be left untouched 

 during the ensuing winter. Early in spring, planting 

 or seeding as the cultivator may have decided upon 

 can be commenced. 



Regarding the selection of the trees to be planted, 

 there is no doubt that the pine will be the dominant 

 species. But as in sandy soils constant protection of 

 the ground against the drying influences of sun and 

 wind has to be principally aimed at; and as the pine, 

 after a growth of from ten to fifteen years, loses its side 

 branches, with which it effects this protection, spruce, 

 oak and even beeches should be mixed in the proportion 

 of one-fifth of spruces, and of one-tenth of oaks and 

 beeches. In case seedlings are set out, it is easy to de- 

 termine upon the proper place for each tree. But when 

 the ground is to be seeded and, over large areas, sowing 

 is by far cheaper and more quickly accomplished, 

 although it is not so sure during the first growing period 

 of the seedlings furrows have to be opened, in which 

 the nuts of oaks and beeches are sown, whereupon the 

 field should be harrowed even. Then the pine and 

 spruce seed is sown broadcast and lightly harrowed 

 under. On very light soil this operation has the effect 

 of causing the several kinds of trees to spring up easily 

 and to continue growing until first the beech, then the 

 oak, and finally the spruce disappears for want of plant- 



