THE FOREST NURSERY 



343 



wire is drawn tightly about the plants and that the covering over 

 the moss protects it from the rapid loss of moisture through 

 evaporation. 



During the past few years an increasing number of forest nurs- 

 eries in the United States are shipping coniferous seedlings and 

 small transplants in wire cases or crates (Fig. 100). These are 

 usually made of J- to J-inch-mesh galvanized wire and are cylin- 

 drical in form with closed ends, one of which is removable to 

 permit packing. They are made in various sizes but most com- 



Pholograph by U. S. Forest Service 



FIG. 100. Unpacking and heeling-in coniferous nursery stock on its receipt 

 in wire shipping crates. Pike National Forest, Colorado. 



monly are 2J feet in diameter and 1J feet deep, or 2 feet in 

 diameter and 2 feet deep and hold from 5000 to 20,000 2-year 

 coniferous seedlings. 



Due to its small size coniferous stock suitable for forest 

 planting should be shipped by express. The added cost per 

 thousand over freight shipment is more than balanced by the 

 shorter time in transit and the less danger of injury. Shipments 

 are liable to be delayed even under the best facilities for transport, 

 hence close supervision should be given to packing and shipping. 

 Each package should be marked "Live plants, prompt delivery 

 necessary." 



