DIVISION OF RESEARCH 



GENERAL INTRODUCTION 



In summary of the research work of the past year, several of the projects 

 have been selected for comment. 



In the silvl cultural projects established in the past five years, the first 

 steps were concerned with observations and surveys to assess the deterrent factors 

 affecting regeneration of the commercially important tree species. The second 

 phase was experimental cuttings to offset these deterrents; and the third, 

 commencing in 1953, has been the evaluation of the results of these cuttings. 

 Among these, silvicultural treatments of yellow birch have been effective in im- 

 proving germination, survival and height growth. In south-western Ontario, ex- 

 periments have been concentrated on the use of silvicides as thinning tools. 



Field work in the classification of forest sites during the past year covered 

 approximately 6, 900 square miles, while preliminary maps covering 3, 000 square 

 miles were made. This work was done in the Algonquin Park, Haliburton, Sault 

 Ste. Marie and Cochrane areas. Detailed physiographic maps were finalized for 

 experimental work in wildlife and forestry in Algonquin Park and North Superior 

 Shore areas. 



In the white pine tree breeding program, a new method called bare-root 

 grafting was tried with great success. In aspen poplars, a new method of raising 

 seedlings was produced. Several large test plantations of favoured aspen poplar 

 hybrids were established by pulpwood companies. 



In reforestation research, the report published in 1955, "Inventory of 

 Nursery Stock", should give Departmental nurserymen sufficient technical guidance 

 to prepare inventories within the accuracies required. 



A major portion of the effort in mechanical research was expended on 

 further improvements to, and testing of, a continuous-process conifer leaf still 

 which was built in the previous year. 



In fisheries research the Division co-operated with the federal govern- 



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