THE FORMATION OF FORESTS 125 
from the seed-bed into the place where they are des- 
tined to remain to form forests. 
It is impossible in this connection to give the 
details of nursery practise. Much, if not the most 
of it, must be learned from experience. Almost 
every species must receive special treatment. 
There is a great advantage in having the proper 
kind of labor. An active boy can do much of it 
quicker, cheaper, and better than a man. In Europe 
the women and children do most of this work. When 
forestry is more extensively practised many girls and 
boys in backwoods districts of this country may thus 
find considerable employment. 
Planting may be done in both spring and fall. 
Which is the better time depends upon various cir- 
cumstances. Many people plant at both times, but 
spring is usually preferred. In spring the time is 
often too short when one has several hundred thou- 
sand young trees to plant, and labor may be scarce. 
Just as soon as the terminal bud begins to open 
it is too late to plant. If.a tree is planted when it 
has already sprouted, the tenderest and most im- 
portant part of it dies first and dies easily. The 
planting time may be prolonged by removing the 
little plants from the bed and hheeling them in a 
cool, shady place so that sprouting is prevented. 
Where the nursery is in a valley, and one desires to 
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