Page 135 Division of Research 



(2) Seedling Lifter: A device for attachment to large tractors for lifting seed- 

 lings in forest nurseries has been developed. This consists of a blade that is pulled 

 about five inches under the surface of the seedling beds. The purpose is to loosen the 

 ground so that the seedlings can be lifted easily by hand for transplanting: it should 

 also result in a considerable saving in labour. 



(3) Scarifier for Logged Areas: Although the mechanical section did not build 

 the scarifying machine, it did assist in some of the testing and carried out the modifica- 

 tions indicated by these tests. The purpose of this machine is to stir up the ground 

 in mechanically logged jack pine areas, in order to increase natural regeneration. 



(4) Seeding Staffs: These devices were designed to release a single seed at a 

 time, and bury it in the soil. A model is being built which is expected to prove 

 satisfactory. 



(5) Hose Tests: Machinery was set up to test the qualities of linen and cotton 

 fire hose, and to enable purchase by specification. Tests of the effect of fungicides 

 to prevent hose decay are still continuing. 



Pathology 



The Department, continuing to co-operate with the Dominion Department of 

 Agriculture, employs two foresters on the research staff who are on Loan to the 

 Dominion Laboratory of Forest Pathology. Toronto, for the conduct of co-operative 

 studies. The two main current projects are the survey of the condition of yellow birch, 

 and the survey of the condition of white pine in the Sudbury sulphur-fume area. 



Yellow Birch Dieback. This study was initiated due to anxiety on the part 

 of timber operators and government officials as to the possible spread of "birch 

 dieback" from the Maritimes to Ontario. Fourteen one-acre permanent sample plots 

 were established in 1949, from the Ottawa Valley to North Bay. An intensive record 

 of conditions was made of all species of trees on the plots and all site factors were 

 examined. It is hoped that this assessment will determine whether there is an abnormal 

 condition of yellow birch, and if so. to make recommendations for control. 



White Pine Xeedle Blight. This study resulted from a confusing similarity 

 in symptoms of this disease with symptoms in a certain stage of sulphur fume injury 

 in the Sudbury area. A detailed field survey was started in 1949 and ten one-acre 

 permanent sample plots were established within a 25-mile radius of the fume sources 

 at Sudbury. Ten check plots were established in the Mattawa area on corresponding 

 white pine sites in which some trees exhibited signs of similar injury, but which could 

 not be due to sulphur fumes. 



For simplification, comparison is being made in these two areas of basic 

 relationships only, such as incidence of disease, mortality and loss of wood increment. 



Statistical comparison of these factors should permit evaluation of the relative 

 degree of injury from both causes. 



Entomology 



The Division continued its co-operative arrangement with tin- Division of 

 Forest Entomology, Federal Department of Agriculture. Work was centred at the 

 Sault Ste. Marie Forest Insect Laboratory building, which is the property of the 

 Ontario Department and staffed by the Federal Department, under the direction of 

 Dr. M. L. Prebble. Dr. I'rebble issues a separate report. 



