the potential merchantable lengths so that the volumes of each plot could be com- 

 puted at five year intervals. 

 Hardwood Pruning Studies 



Six acres of open-grown hardwoods were given a further pruning in 1955. 

 The diameter of all branches removed at the point of contact with the bole of the 

 tree were recorded and then computed to square feet. A time record was also 

 kept on the entire operation. This project will be completed in 1956. 

 Taper Studies 



A need was felt by some of the zone foresters in the Lake Huron District 

 for better volume tables. Taper studies were made on second-growth silver and 

 hard maple trees. This project called for a pair of pole calipers which were 

 made at the Hespeler district office. 



Silvicides 

 Silvicides for Thinning 



At the present time there is little or no market for thinnings in the 

 South-Western region of Ontario. Many of the second growth stands are in need 

 of thinning to promote maximum growth for the crop trees. Since cutting is ex- 

 pensive, it was decided to continue testing new silvicides for this purpose. A 

 working arrangement was then made with two chemical companies to test their 

 silvicide products on some of the common hardwood species which occur in 

 southern Ontario. Five species were treated with 10 different chemicals during 

 the summer of 1955. The poisons were applied as basal sprays. 

 Silvicides for Stand Conversion 



A working arrangement was made with the Christian Island Indians through 

 the Indian Affairs Branch to conduct silvicide studies on Beckwith Island. The ob- 

 ject of this study was to convert 30 acres of dense hardwood to white pine, as the 

 site appeared favourable for this species. 



A foliage spray of Esteron 2-4- 5T was applied from aircraft on the 



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