ESTABLISHING FORESTS BY DIRECT SEEDING 213 



5. IRREGULARITY IN FIELD GERMINATION 



In full seeding germination is usually slower and more uneven 

 than in the nursery or in partial seeding because of the less per- 

 fect covering of the seed and the greater variation in the moisture 

 conditions of the surface soil. With many species germination 

 extends over a period of several weeks, while in others a large 

 percentage of the seed lies over until the second year, particularly 

 when the season is dry or the sowing has been delayed until late 

 in the spring. Under average conditions of spring sowing, germi- 

 nation should take place within the following periods: 



Weeks. 



Walnut 4-10 



Hickory 4-8 



Ash 1 4-8 



Oak 4-6 



Conifers (junipers and a few pines excepted) 3-6 



Maple 2-4 



Day 8 . 



Willows and poplars 2-6 



6. THE COST OF FULL SEEDING 



Aside from the cost of the large quantity of seed necessary in 

 full seeding, the expense for labor varies between wide limits. 

 When there is no cover to remove and the soil does not require 

 working, the only expense is for the seed and its distribution. 

 When the traveling is good one experienced workman can sow 

 by hand from f to 1| acres per hour, depending upon the size and 

 weight of the seed. The cost for labor does not usually exceed 

 35 cents per acre. When the seed is covered by dragging or har- 

 rowing the total cost for labor is usually between $1.50 and $2.50 

 per acre. When the cover is dense necessitating its removal by 

 hand labor and when the soil requires deep cultivation the cost 

 may exceed $50 per acre, a sum which makes this method of re- 

 generation prohibitive. 



7. SCATTERING THE SEED 



The site is seldom in condition to permit the use of a seeding 

 machine. Most of the larger machines used for full seeding in 

 Europe are constructed on the principle of the grain seeder, sow- 

 ing the seed either broadcast or in drills. Such machines are the 

 1 Red, white, and green ash often lie over until the second year. 



