An important study of black spruce layering was completed during the 

 current year in the northern region. This work has established the fact that black 

 spruce layerings originate from branches rather than from roots as had been pre- 

 viously believed. In addition, this study has indicated that mature stands of good 

 quality spruce can develop from layerings as well as from seed. 



White pine blister rust reconnaissance surveys were extended into the 

 northern limits of white pine commercial distribution, to evaluate infection and 

 damage as a contribution towards the expanding planting programs. The infection 

 was found to be still slight in comparison with the south where in some localities 

 damage is severe. 



A project was started during the year to explore the possibilities of 

 estimating volumes of standing timber in some forest cover types as an alternative 

 to the present system of scaling of wood after it is cut. 



A more detailed description is given in the following pages of the above- 

 mentioned and other projects. 



