FORESTER'S REPORT. 27 



adapted to coniferous trees. Here we have learned through 

 failure what not to do. In contrast with this is the success of 

 the deciduous plantations. Red oak, European white oak, ash 

 and beech, all set out when less than a foot high, now range up 

 to 12 feet and are in good form. Beech naturally is more back- 

 ward than any of the others. Locust of the same age, planted 

 6 feet by 6 feet, has an average height of about 20 feet. A 

 limited number of fence posts can in all probability be cut after 

 two years. It is notable that comparatively little damage has 

 been done by the locust borer and that mixed plantations of red 

 oak and locust are in better form than the pure plantations of 

 either species. See Figs. 20, 21, 22. These stands are now in 

 a condition to afford object lessons of several kinds. The pure 

 locust stands are fully closed and a characteristic forest litter, 

 with almost a complete absence of undergrowth, is observed. In 

 mixed stands the development of this typical condition is in 

 progress. 



SHADE TREES. 



It has been necessary to give more attention than ever before 

 to shade tree interests. Appreciation of shade tree values is 

 growing everywhere and the Forest Commission is called upon 

 to help individuals 'and communities. There is no question that 

 the shade trees all over the state are in better condition than 

 they ever have been, nor that there are more of them by many 

 thousands. 



PARKS. 



The foresters of the Forest Commission have also been called 

 into consultation in a number of instances by those having 

 charge of local parks. Assistance of this kind is given as read- 

 ily as in the case of shade trees. Necessarily, landscape ques- 

 tions are not considered, at least in an authoritative way, but 

 advice is offered regarding tree diseases, insect enemies, plant- 

 ing, fertilizing, etc. 



In this connection it may be reaffirmed that most private 

 woodlands are in effect public parks. Few owners object to a 



