STATE AID IN FORESTRY. 



The Forest Commission wants to assist farmers, and all 

 woodland owners, to practice forestry. See offer on page 28. 



Forest Planting in New Jersey. 



THE NEED OF PLANTING. 



The Forest Commission lays little stress upon forest planting 

 because the State's woodland area is now as great as it should 

 be, and because it is easier, cheaper, and, for the present, better 

 to make good forests out of the abused and neglected natural 

 forests. To do this requires, in most cases, no outlay ; simply 

 protection against fire and proper thinnings at the proper time 

 are enough. The result will rarely be as good, silviculturally, 

 as from a planted forest, but the crop will come quicker and it 

 will cost less. 



Where planting is proper. There are places and conditions, 

 however, that justify planting; they are where land cleared for 

 cultivation or pasture is found unfit, or is no longer wanted, and 

 where forest is desired for pleasure or to simplify the adminis- 

 tration of an estate (Fig. i). In the first case the land, being fit 

 for nothing but forest true forest soil, would naturally have a 

 low value; a plantation therefore should be expected to yield a 

 profit. In the latter cases satisfaction rather than profit would 

 be the object. 



Uriderplanting, or filling gaps, in woodlots is often advisable. 

 The procedure is the same as in open plantations but greater 

 care in the choice of species is required on account of the de- 

 ficient light afforded see tolerance, p. 9. 



Shade trees not considered. The present discussion deals 

 solely with the production of timber. Beauty and shade are en- 

 tirely apart. 



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