Practical Sylviculture 109 



right for immediate growing. They need no special care 

 and preparation before planting, but must be planted 

 very soon after coming from the trees. It will also be 

 noticed that the willows and poplars are grown from cut- 

 tings rather than from seed. However, they may be grown 

 from seed by scattering branches containing the seed 

 capsules on moist soil just as the capsules are opening. 

 This is rarely practiced, since they are so readily grown 

 from cuttings. 



Occasionally during a long wet fall some autumn- , 

 ripening seeds may germinate before spring. In the 

 woodlot, providing mice and squirrels are not numerous, 

 seeds of this kind may be left on the ground until spring. 

 Seeds ripening in the fall that are collected for spring 

 planting must be kept under conditions as nearly approach- 

 ing the natural conditions under the tree as is possible. 

 It is a safe rule that all such seeds as acorns, chestnuts 

 and walnuts must be kept moist until planting time, 

 while such seeds as the pines and spruces may be kept air 

 dry. 



Seeds from coniferous trees are always collected in the 

 cones. Seed trees should be located during midsummer by 

 the presence of full-grown cones and then frequently 

 examined as to the ripeness of the seed. This may be done 

 by obtaining a green cone and cutting it longitudinally so 

 as to expose the seed for examination. As a rule, the seed 

 in the cones is ripe, while on the outside the cones still ap- 

 pear green. As soon as the seeds are plump and fleshy and 

 brown on the outside, the cones must be collected. They 

 may be picked off the branches and placed in bags. They 

 are then thoroughly dried by spreading out on screens in 



