DIVISION OF RESEARCH 

 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 



In reviewing the research work for the past year, several subjects may 

 be selected for general comment here. 



Marked progress has been made In the evaluation of forest management 

 problems and the establishment of projects. For example, knowledge gained from 

 research in forest site classification and sampling techniques has reached a 

 point where a large-scale program of systematic mapping of the forest sites of 

 the whole province may be undertaken* 



The establishment of white pine regeneration and growth projects in the 

 Petawawa Management Unit was completed in 195^9 ^^^ examination will commence in 



1955. 



Progress has been made in the study of the silvlcal characteristics of 

 yellow birch in the Swan Lake area of Algonquin Park. The same applies to the 

 pulping species in the Port Arthur area where research has proceeded in cutting 

 methods ) planting and seeding; and in the Cochrane Clay Belt, where cutting 

 systems in black spruce, regeneration in mixed stands, and. aspen thinnings have 

 been the most recently pressed projects* In south-western Ontario | the exploration 

 work which started in 1952 has developed into a number of projects including the 

 sllvics and silviculture of silver maple, tree poisoning as a sllvlcultural tool, 

 woodlot studies, artificial seeding, and several types of pruning* 



Tree breeding research received an added stimulus in the direction of 

 poplar through the demands of Industry for aspen hybrids for immediate use in the 

 jplantations of a group of pulp and paper companies. 



In 195^, reforestation research was started when a research forester was 

 added to the staff of the Research Division to further a co-operative program' 

 ,th the Reforestation Division in nursery and planting practices. Projects were 

 ertaken in planting depths and methods, nursery stock packaging, culling and 

 ading of seedlings, nursery stock Inventory, and nursery treatments. 



In the field of fisheries research, it was concluded by the end of 195**- 

 ,t the major factor influencing the lake trout population in Lake Superior was 

 lamprey* It is thought that additional research is not justified until the 



