38 



venting it. The successful application of this principle sometimes 

 involves considerable skill and thought. The land to be forested 

 may be in the condition least suited for such work. It may be poor, 

 dry and sun-scorched. It may even be that no tree of value could at 

 first be induced to grow on it. We may even be glad to secure a 

 luxuriant growth of weeds as the first product at such a place. Nev- 

 ertheless, all such places can be reforested,, if one is careful first in 

 the selection of his seed, and second in doing every step of his work 

 thoroughly. 



How shall we proceed? First of all, select an area no larger than 

 you can properly prepare and care for. It is quite possible that if 

 the seeds to be sowed were placed on the ground when the frost is 

 coming out, that the alternate freezing and thawing of the surface 

 would bring them into close contact with the soil, as is the case with 

 clover seed, and that many of them would grow. This method, how- 

 ever, is but an apology for what should be done. The ground should 

 be broken up, if possible. If it cannot be done with the ordinary plow 

 then it should be done with t!hie primitive shovel plow. A good subse- 

 quent harrowing will tend to even up the surface and to further re- 

 duce the clods. Bear in mind what we are now seeking is the first 

 tree covering, something which will afford protection to such trees 

 as we desire ultimately to plant for their useful properties. We 

 must, therefore, be willing to sow what will grow. Locust is 

 always a valuable timber. It flourishes on almost any kind of soil 

 and is much less apt to be bothered by the borer when planted in 

 clumps or in quantity, than when it stands as an isolated tree, or row 

 of trees, by the roadside. 'The ill-odored Ailantus, while in small de- 

 mand now, promises in the future to have a value as furnishing wood 

 for the cabinet maker. It has the supreme merit of thriving under 

 neglect and of growing on almost any soil. The Catalpa tree (either 

 the Eastern or the Western form) grows vigorously on a certain class 

 of soils. It is, however, not adapted to every location. If the soil is 

 fertile and inoist there is but little doubt of its success.* If, on the 

 other hand, it is sowed in a clay soil over a limestone rock, the 

 chances are not in its favor. Still it is so easily obtained that it may 

 be well to include it in the present list. The wood is valuable foi 

 fence posts. 



These seeds may all be planted in early spring the locust after 

 having received a good preliminary soaking in hot water to soften the 

 outer shell, and the Ailantus and the Catalpa after having been 

 dampened over night to waken them up. The introduced white pop- 

 lar has the habit of growing on almost any soil. Moreover, when 

 once started, its tendency to- self multiplication is wonderful. This 

 tree produces its seed in early spring, and even if not in time to plant 

 with the seed, already indicated, would have a fair chance of success 



