NURSERY PRACTICE SEED AND TRANSPLANT BEDS 



119 



loam is preferred, and it should be deep and fresh. It should be 

 capable of easy drainage. 



2. An abundant and inexpensive water supply by means of piping. 

 Generally, nurseries need to be irrigated during the warm summer 

 season, and an extensive system of underground and overhead piping 

 is often required. 



3. The slope and aspect must be favorable. A gentle slope is pre- 

 ferred, and northern aspects are desirable. 



FIG. 60. Preparing seed beds for 2,500,000 black locust seedlings near Ware, 

 Illinois. Many of the trees produced are used in gully control in erosion work. 



4. Tree species to be developed. Trees are very particular as to 

 their soil, moisture, site, and aspect requirements, and these must be 

 carefully studied in relation to the nature and location of the nursery. 



5. Adequate and inexpensive labor. Trained labor is seldom avail- 

 able. After a few years of training the laborer is much more efficient 

 and helpful. 



6. Proximity to planting site. This is not entirely necessary, as 

 little trees may be transported considerable distances, but a nursery 

 located under the same altitude and climatic conditions will produce 

 trees that will thrive better when planted. 



Trees used in planting are generally identified for the number of 

 years left in seed beds and in transplant rows, as follows: 



