THE FORMATION OF FORESTS 121 
on fertile soil, and so located that it can be easily 
protected. An ordinary cold-frame would be sufh- 
cient to supply a large number of young trees. When- 
ever in his travels he finds seeds of desirable species 
he should sow them. In this way, with little expense 
and little trouble, he may have an abundance of good 
plants on hand for planting whenever needed. 
A nursery should be located where it can be 
watched, so that birds and small animals will not 
steal the seeds or injure the little plants. <A rich, 
sandy loam is the best soil for the purpose. This 
should be carefully worked and freed from roots, 
stones, lumps, ete. A level piece of land should be 
chosen so that there will be no danger from washing. 
The site should be near a spring, pump, or stream, 
so that watering, if necessary, will not be difficult. 
The spot should be manured, but the manure should 
be free from weed seeds. The manure should be 
composted—that is, manure, humus, or leaf-mold, 
soil and lime, should be piled in a heap in layers. 
Then it should be turned from time to time, and 
thoroughly mixed. This will ferment and rot. It 
should be kept moist, but not too wet. If too dry 
it burns and becomes useless; if too wet it loses 
some of its richness by leaching. Hardwood ashes 
is also an excellent fertilizer, but it should not be 
used in too large quantity. The best and cheapest 
