366 SEEDING AND PLANTING 



Although as a general rule young stock is preferable for use 

 in silvicultural operations, the age best adapted for use depends 

 primarily upon: 



a. The species. 



6. The site. 



There is great variation in different species in the rapidity of 

 juvenile growth. In general, rapidly growing species are ready 

 for planting at an earlier age than slowly growing ones. Thus, 

 catalpa, black cherry, and black locust, unless crowded in the 

 nursery, often become too large for advantageous handling in a 

 single year. On the other hand, hemlock, balsam, and most spe- 

 cies of spruce are usually not large enough for planting purposes 

 until 3 or 4 years old. 



5. The Source from which the Planting Material is Obtained 



The stock used in planting operations may be obtained as follows : 



a. By growing in home nurseries. 



6. By collecting wild stock. 



c. By the purchase of nursery or wild stock. 



6. THE ADVANTAGES OF HOME NURSERIES 



Where operations are conducted on a large scale the stock 

 should be grown in home nurseries, 1 i.e., in nurseries owned and 

 controlled by the planter. The chief advantages arising from the 

 use of home-grown nursery stock are as follows: 



a. It is available for use when desired. 



6. The danger of deterioration through transport is eliminated. 



c. The size and age of the stock desired can be secured with 

 greater assurance. 



d. When grown on a large scale the cost is usually less. 



e. There is greater assurance that the plants are true to name 

 as the origin of the seed is usually known. 



/. It is usually better adjusted to the climatic and soil condi- 

 tions of the planting site. 



g. The introduction of harmful insects and serious fungous 

 diseases is eliminated. 



h. It can be better graded to fit the particular requirements 

 of each planting site. 



i. The conditions under which it grew are known. 



1 Reuss, Hermann: Die forstliche Bestandesgriindung. S. 95. Berlin, 1907. 



