ELEMENTARY FORESTRY 373 



Most tree seedlings start in spots partially shaded by 

 other trees, and, if possible, the bed should be located 

 where it will be shaded in the afternoon. The two dan- 

 gers to which the little trees are subject are drying and 

 burning up in the sun, and damping off in the shade 

 and wet. If natural shade be not at hand, a .convenient 

 screen may be made by nailing laths on a frame the width 

 of a lath apart. Supported on little posts one or two feet 

 above the bed, this will give half-shade. 



Where land is not available the children may rear their 

 trees in flowerpots or in window boxes, and the main idea 

 be attained, that of planting and rearing trees from 

 the seed. 



The next topic is the treatment and care of trees. Are 

 there trees enough on the streets ? Ask the children to 

 investigate the conditions prevailing in the locality, and 

 let them write or tell how street and roadside trees, 

 especially, may be protected from injury. Have them 

 learn the city or town ordinance with reference to injury 

 of shade trees and the rules of the tree warden of their 

 neighborhood. The chief object of these inquiries should 

 be, not to threaten or suggest punishment in case they 

 injure the trees, but to develop their ideas of the public 

 values of trees for shade and beauty and make them 

 active protectors of the trees in their own town or city. 

 Let each member of the class examine one hundred 

 roadside trees and state how many are horse-gnawed or 

 barked by wagons, how many have tree guards around 

 them, and what kinds are used. Do the tree guards add 

 beauty to the street ? These studies may be used to 

 interest the public in the proper care of shade trees. 



