378 ] Trees and How to Know Them 



him if he labels each leaf with the name and a few short notes 

 about the characteristics of the tree on which it grew. 



Growing Trees At Home 



Aside from the pleasure of observing trees in their natural 

 environment and in decorative landscapes, it is also fun to watch 

 them start growing from seed. It is far more difficult to get tree 

 seeds to grow than flower seeds; even under natural conditions 

 only one out of thousands may develop into a tree. But if you 

 keep certain facts in mind, you should have a rewarding measure 

 of success. 



Among the better seeds to try your green thumb with are 

 acorns, horse-chestnuts, sycamore, and beech seeds. They germi- 

 nate quickly and, if successful, they put forth their first leaves 

 the spring after they are planted. You can prepare ground in 

 flowerpots or flat, lightweight wooden boxes such as the ones 

 used for packing certain kinds of cheese. If you use the box, make 

 several drainage holes in the bottom and cover them with broken 

 bits of pottery, rounded sides up, so that the holes will not become 

 clogged. 



Now put a layer of pebbles over the bottom of the box or pot, 

 followed by garden soil or sand, mixed half and half, until the box 

 is filled to within half an inch from the top and press down 

 firmly. Plant the seeds, place a light covering of soil over them, 

 and press the soil down again. (Such seeds as acorns and chestnuts 

 should be soaked in water for two days before planting.) 



Keep your "tree garden" very close to a window which admits 

 plenty of sunshine. The soil, which should be kept moist but 

 never wet, is best watered with a bulb spray or sprinkler. Until 

 the seeds sprout, it is helpful to cover the top with a pane of glass, 

 thus preventing the surface from drying out. 



You can keep small trees in pots for years. They remain dwarfed 

 and do not flower, but otherwise they are as interesting as forest 

 trees. If you have land with space for more trees, it is naturally a 

 thrilling experience for a child to transplant one of the seedlings 



